Girl Struck by SEPTA Train, Suffered Severe Head Trauma

Man was holding the child near the edge of the platform when she was hit

A young girl suffered severe head injuries after being hit by a SEPTA train as it pulled into a University City station.

The 1-year-old was struck by a Market-Frankford Line train at SEPTA's 30th Street Station at 30th and Market Streets just after 8 p.m., fire officials tell NBC10.

Police say the girl was being held by her mother's boyfriend and that he was standing towards the edge of the platform when he lost his footing as a westbound train rolled into the station. The girl was hit in the head by the train and the father fell onto the platform.

The girl's mother was also standing nearby taking care of her other young child.

"Even myself, I wouldn't stand that close to that platform. I really wouldn't," said passenger Norma Lewis. "I hope the little girl is OK. I really do."

EMS crews quickly rushed the girl, swaddled in a pink overcoat, to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel said the girl suffered significant head injuries.

Those injuries were so severe, Philadelphia Police say the girl has a small chance of recovering.

The man also suffered minor injuries in the incident and was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for treatment.

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Contact Vince Lattanzio at 610.668.5532, vince.lattanzio@nbcuni.com or follow @VinceLattanzio on Twitter.

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