The Kensington section of Philadelphia was the scene of a deadly rail incident Tuesday evening when a freight train struck two people on the 1800 block of East Pacific Street, police said. Medics pronounced both victims dead at 7:28 p.m., and officers at the scene listed one as a "John Doe" while the other also remained unidentified as investigators continued to gather evidence.
Officers from the 24th Police District responded around 7:19 p.m. for a report of a train accident, and the street was blocked off while investigators worked to determine what happened, according to FOX 29. Police have not released any additional identifying details about the victims.
National Context: Trespassing Drives Most Rail Fatalities
Most rail-related deaths nationwide involve people on railroad property and at grade crossings, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. The agency calls trespassing the leading cause of rail-related fatalities and provides prevention resources and toolkits for communities, a national pattern that highlights the danger of train tracks even in dense urban neighborhoods like Kensington.
Crash Unit Continues Probe
The city's Crash Investigation Division was at the scene collecting evidence, and the surrounding area remained blocked off for investigators, per FOX 29. Police said updates are expected as the investigation continues and have not released the victims' ages or other personal details.
How To Report Tips
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or call 911 in an emergency, according to the department website Philadelphia Police Department. Residents can also use the department Submit a Tip form for anonymous information; media inquiries are directed through the PPD media contacts page.
