06/12/2010 // West Palm Beach , FL, USA // Tara Monks // Tara Monks
Bryn Mawr, PA – A Pennsylvania woman was killed Friday, June 11, 2010, after she ran onto the SEPTA railroad tracks in attempts to retrieve her Chihuahua, as reported by The Philadelphia Enquirer. The woman was struck by an oncoming commuter train after jumping onto the tracks.
The woman was believed to be in her 40s and from out of state, according to police. She was on the eastbound platform just before 6 p.m. when her dog jumped from the stand and onto the tracks.
A witness to the event told reporters the unleashed Chihuahua was excited and spinning circles as a westbound train stopped on the far side of the tracks. A few moments later, the dog jumped off the platform and onto the eastbound tracks.
The owner followed. The witness explained, “She did not have time to get back up, and the train was on her…It was terrible-looking under the train.”
When the train stopped, the dog ran out from under. It was apparently unharmed.
Eastbound commuter service on the R5 Paoli-Thorndale line was suspended until approximately 8:35 p.m. as investigators examined the scene. Passengers who were onboard during the wreck were shuttled to their original destinations by bus, as reported by as SEPTA spokesman.
The tracks are located only a few inches below the platform. There are no preventative obstacles to prevent people from walking onto the rails.
The dog was taken to an animal hospital and officials were reportedly attempting to contact the woman’s relatives Friday evening.
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