Police Release Details of Investigation After Vehicle Struck by Train in Lansdale

Keith Heffintrayer | North Penn Now•

Lansdale Borough Police have released information from their investigation into a train versus vehicle crash that occurred Sunday night on East Hancock Street.

Crews were dispatched to the rail crossing on East Hancock Street between Church Road and Broad Street at 5:45 p.m. on Nov. 26 for a report of a vehicle that was struck by a SEPTA train. Arriving personnel found a gray Toyota sedan that had been struck by a SEPTA train on the regional rail line.

According to Lansdale Police Chief Mike Trail, the preliminary investigation revealed the Toyota had traveled around the activated railroad gates, then became stuck on the tracks. All occupants of the vehicle were able to exit prior to impact, and no injuries were reported among the occupants of the train.

Trail said the force of the collision propelled the vehicle northbound on the railroad tracks, coming to a stop along the 300 block of South Line Street. The vehicle was rendered inoperable and eventually was towed from the scene.

Hancock Street was closed between South Broad Street and Church Road until approximately 8 p.m., as crews worked to remove the vehicle from the scene and clear the tracks to allow the regional rail line to resume operations. Passengers on other trains reported to North Penn Now that they had to disembark at other area train stations due to the incident.

Lansdale Police were assisted at the scene by units from VMSC Emergency Medical Services and Fairmount Fire Company.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact the Lansdale Borough Police Department at 215-368-1801. Tips can also be submitted here.