1 dead after SUV collides with SEPTA train at crossing

LOWER MORELAND TWP, Pa. (WTXF) - One person has died after a collision involving an SUV and a SEPTA Regional Rail train in Lower Moreland Township.

It was a grim scene just before 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning along Red Lion near Philmont Avenue in Lower Moreland Township.

Two women on their way to work coming down a hill by the railroad crossing were unable to stop on the snow covered road and slammed into an oncoming SEPTA train.

"The driver of the vehicle was able to exit the vehicle before the crash. The passenger remained in the vehicle and was later found outside along the tracks," Lower Moreland Police Chief Peter Hasson said.

The police chief says the driver realized she was in trouble and told the passenger they had to get out. The driver jumped for her life. Sadly, her co-worker couldn't get out in time.

SEPTA says it hit between the third and fourth train cars on its West Trenton line. The train operator stopped at the next station after realizing what happened. The some 50 passengers were taken off the train and shuttled to their destinations.

The West Trenton line was back up and running around 1:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon after being suspended for some four hours. The driver of the SUV was treated and released from the hospital.

"She answered questions and was helpful with the investigation-very helpful," Chief Hasson said.

The identities of the two women have not been released at this time.