Missing teen struck and killed by train while walking on tracks in Northeast Philadelphia
Missing 15-year-old fatally struck by train in Northeast Philly
A 15-year-old boy who was reported missing from Northeast Philadelphia was killed after being hit by a CSX train just before 11:30 p.m. Monday, according to police.
PHILADELPHIA - Police say a missing 15-year-old boy was struck and killed by a freight train while walking on the track late Monday night in Philadelphia.
What we know:
Investigators say the fatal accident happened just before midnight on the southbound tracks near Grant Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia.
The conductor spotted a person walking on the tracks and immediately initiated an emergency break, but could not stop the train in time.
The 15-year-old, identified as Abdusalom Babaev, was fatally struck and pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.
Investigators say the train was operating at the appropriate speed under conditions of darkness and low visibility at the time of the crash.
Police say the victim was entered into the National Crime Information Center database as a missing person on July 19. His father confirmed over the phone that a photo posted on Facebook was his son, after the family made a public plea to find him.
What they're saying:
Neighbors in the Bustleton neighborhood expressed sadness and support for the family after learning about the boy’s death.
"Of course, it is a really really sad story. As a mom, young toddlers, I can't imagine what the parents are feeling right now," said Zara Ergesheava, a neighbor.
"Did you know him?," asked Timmeney. "Not really, No, but this area, everyone knows each other and pretty sure he was a great child. Sad for his family," said Ergesheava.
CSX issued the following statement: "CSX extends its deepest sympathies to everyone impacted by this tragic incident and will support local law enforcement as they complete the investigation."
CSX also said there were no injuries to the crew.
What we don't know:
It is still not clear why the teenager was walking on the tracks, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.