Police confirm gates were down in train collision that left two teens critically injured in Lansdale

Lansdale Police have confirmed that railroad crossing gates and warning systems were fully operational at the time of a devastating crash early Tuesday morning that left two juvenile males in critical condition after their pickup truck collided at high velocity with a moving freight train.

The updated information comes in an official statement released Thursday by the Lansdale Police Department, following a multi-agency investigation involving the North Penn Crash Team, Montgomery County Detective Bureau, and multiple local emergency services.

Police have not released the names and hometowns of those injured. Sources familiar with the case confirmed that both teens remain in critical condition and are undergoing surgeries, as of Thursday morning.

Key New Findings:          

• The crossing gates were down and both visual and audible alarms were active at the time of the crash.
• The vehicle involved was a white 2023 Chevrolet Silverado, not a Dodge Ram as initially reported.
• The crash occurred at 2:51 a.m. on Tuesday, at the South Broad Street crossing outside Lansdale Borough Hall, near the Lansdale Train Station.
• Two juvenile males were found entrapped in the burning vehicle and were rescued and transported to Grand View Hospital in critical condition by VMSC Emergency Medical Services
• The impact caused a tank car to partially derail, but there were no hazardous material leaks.

Weather Conditions

Severe weather may have played a role in the incident. AccuWeather.com reported a strong thunderstorm in the Lansdale area between 1:48 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., with heavy rain hitting hardest around 2:45 a.m., just minutes before the crash.

Road and Rail Impact

South Broad Street was closed for several hours from Vine to Main Street for the investigation and cleanup, and SEPTA suspended service on the Lansdale/Doylestown Regional Rail Line due to the proximity of the crash to the station.

Service has since resumed, and South Broad Street reopened to traffic by 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Lansdale Police Department at 215-368-1801.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the two young men and their families during this incredibly difficult time,” said Chief Trail.

This is a developing story. Stay with us for further updates as the investigation continues.