3 family members hit, killed by Amtrak train in Pennsylvania; service reopens between Philadelphia, New York

Amtrak service between Philadelphia and New York was halted for hours Thursday evening after three family members were fatally struck by a train near Bristol Station in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, officials said. 

According to the Bristol Borough Police Department, the three family members were struck just before 6 p.m. by an Amtrak Acela train traveling south toward Philadelphia. The exact circumstances of the collision were still unclear. 

“This is a horrific tragedy,” Bristol Borough Police Chief Joseph Moors said.

In a separate statement, Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, whose district includes Bristol, said the train was traveling from Boston to Richmond, Virginia. He said that there were 236 passengers and crew members aboard at the time, none of whom were hurt. The passengers on the train were taken to other stations by shuttle buses. 

Amtrak said in an update just after 10:45 p.m. that service resumed on the tracks between Philly and New York. 

“All services operating through the area will be operating at restricted speeds,” Amtrak said on X. “Trains traveling through this area may incur residual delays. Thank you for your continued patience during this time.”  

SEPTA service on the West Trenton line was also suspended. SEPTA said riders can find alternate service suggestions on its website. 

Moors said the scene remains active. He said the next update on the incident will be provided on Friday morning.

“I heard the loudest screech I’ve ever heard before in my life,” Ashley Spencer, a Bristol resident, said. “Like it was trying to brake and it couldn’t.” 

This is the second pedestrian fatality involving an Amtrak train this week in Bucks County. On Wednesday, a person was fatally struck by an Amtrak train near Cornwells Heights station.