Chester community mourns after two children fatally struck by Amtrak train

[mahatmakanejeeves]

A woman had seen them playing on the tracks moments before they train came through. She had warned them to leave the right-of-way. They ignored her and stayed on the rails.

LOCAL NEWS

Chester community mourns after two children fatally struck by Amtrak train

BY MARCELLA BAIETTO, CBS NEWS PHILADELPHIA STAFF

APRIL 30, 2023 / 12:21 PM / CBS PHILADELPHIA

CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) -- The community in Chester is mourning after officials say two children were hit and killed by a train. An Amtrak spokesperson says Train 161 was headed from New York to Washington, D.C. when it had to be stopped at around 4:40 p.m. because of a "trespassing incident."

People gathered in prayer Saturday following the death of two children who were struck by an Amtrak train.

"It just broke my heart," Clare Thomas said.

The members of the Chester Police Chaplain confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia that the victims were two young children. Officials say the incident happened on an Amtrak rail line on Engle Street near West Fourth Street.

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ON SCENE:

Police confirmed 2 people were struck and killed by an Amtrak train in Chester, PA.

We’re working to get more information.

@CBSPhiladelphia

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As of 4:42pm ET, Train 161 is currently stopped north of Wilmington (WIL) due to a trespasser incident. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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ALERT: As of 4:56pm ET, All train traffic is temporarily stopped between Wilmington (WIL) and Philadelphia (PHL) due to ongoing police activity in Chester, PA. We will provide an update as more information becomes available.

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ALERT: As of 7:34pm ET, Due to ongoing police activity, Trains traveling through Wilmington should expect delays. 1 out of 4 tracks have been released. Trains are operating through the area at reduced speeds. We will update.

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UPDATE: As of 9:02pm ET, Train 161 is back on the move and currently operating approximately 5 hours late out of Wilmington (WIL).

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UPDATE ALERT: As of 9:09pm ET: The hold on three of the four tracks north of Wilmington (WIL) has been released and cleared for normal speeds. Delays are still expected due to residual effects. Northbound trains will begin moving in the area shortly.

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