Philadelphia

NTSB Blames Speed, Lack of Awareness for SEPTA 69th Street Terminal Train Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board says February 2017 wreck at SEPTA's 69th Street Terminal was due to speed and a lack of awareness

What to Know

  • An out-of-service SEPTA Market Frankford Line subway train crashed into two other trains at the 69th Street Terminal last year.
  • The accident, which left 4 hurt, occurred on a loop where trains turn around.
  • The board says that his temporary loss of awareness and lack of proper speed control likely caused the accident.

Federal investigators say speed and a lack of awareness were likely to blame for an accident last year near Philadelphia involving three out-of-service SEPTA Market-Frankford Line trains.

A train rear-ended a stopped train near the 69th Street Station in Upper Darby, Delaware County, causing several cars from both to derail. Derailed cars struck a third train traveling in the opposite direction on another track.

The accident occurred on a loop where trains turn around.

[Photos] SEPTA Market Frankford El Trains Collide at 69th Street Terminal

The operators of the first two trains and two passengers on the first train were injured.

The National Transportation Safety Board said the operator of the striking train was traveling about 14 mph. He said he could not remember his actions before the crash.

The board Thursday said that his temporary loss of awareness and lack of proper speed control likely caused the accident.

One of the four injured is in critical condition following the crash on Market Frankford Line tracks at the 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania Tuesday morning.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us