Mystery Deepens Into Why Someone Abandoned An SUV On The Train Tracks In Bensalem
By Walt Hunter
BENSALEM, Pa. (CBS) -- SEPTA and Bensalem Township Police are speaking out for the first time about a Friday evening train crash in which a SEPTA West Trenton Regional Rail train plowed into an SUV that was abandoned on the tracks near the Neshaminy Falls station.
Bensalem Public Safety Director says it was a "miracle" that no one was hurt and there was no fire or derailment when the train, loaded with scores of rush-hour riders, struck the abandoned vehicle, pushing it 120 feet down the tracks.
"It could have been catastrophic, so we are treating it like it was catastrophic," said SEPTA Police Chief Tom Nestel, who also says that, in addition to determining why someone left the SUV on the tracks, investigators are trying to determine why no one dialed 911 to warn about the hazard.
Nestel pointed out that the crash did not happen at a grade crossing, but rather at the end of a twisting path through the woods often used by ATV drivers.
Investigators now say they have determined the ownership of the SUV and they are attempting to find the owner. Anyone with information is asked to call SEPTA Police at 215-580-8111.