Riders describe the moment a tree branch struck a SEPTA train in Philly
Riders on SEPTA's Manayunk/Norristown line were evacuated Friday morning after a tree branch struck their train in North Philly.
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Tree Branch Strikes SEPTA Train in Philadelphia, Passengers Evacuate
PHILADELPHIA – A SEPTA regional rail train experienced a sudden halt Friday morning in North Philadelphia after a tree branch reportedly struck the train, prompting an emergency evacuation of passengers. The incident, which occurred around 9 AM, caused significant disruption for commuters on the Manayunk/Norristown line. An eyewitness, a passenger on the affected train, described the chaotic moments following the impact. "The train came to a sudden stop, and people jolted," the passenger stated. "I heard somebody yell, 'Get off the train, get off the train.' My first instinct was something bad happened. I thought it was violence-related." The passenger noted that there were periodic popping sounds, but no fire was observed or smelled. Passengers quickly exited the train near the Allegheny Station, flooding onto the adjacent street and a nearby parking lot. Hundreds of individuals were seen attempting to secure alternative transportation. "Everyone was taking Ubers, people were sharing Ubers," the passenger added, highlighting the lack of official shuttle services. The incident underscores the vulnerability of public transit to environmental factors and the need for swift, organized responses to ensure passenger safety and continued service.
