Jogger killed by SEPTA trolley in Southwest Philadelphia

A woman died at an intersection in Southwest Philadelphia on Sunday morning after a SEPTA trolley struck her while she was jogging. The collision occurred at 45th Street and Chester Avenue near Clark Park at approximately 9:10 a.m. Philadelphia police identified the victim as a jogger traveling south on 45th Street when the eastbound vehicle hit her.

Police pronounced the woman dead at the scene at 9:28 a.m. Her identity was not included in the initial police release, which went out shortly after noon. Investigators described the event as a major medical emergency, prompting transit delays across the T3 line.

SEPTA issued a service alert for the T3 route, requesting shuttle buses between the 40th Street Portal and 49th Street and Woodland Avenue. Riders were advised to expect crowded conditions and delays as trolleys diverted onto Woodland Avenue at 49th Street. The transit agency stated that it provided support services to the trolley operator following the incident.

In a written statement, SEPTA expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who lost their life. The agency said the safety of riders, employees, and pedestrians remains its top priority. SEPTA noted that it will continue working closely with Philadelphia Police as the investigation proceeds.

Police said the investigation is active and ongoing. They cautioned that the information released so far is preliminary and subject to change. Authorities are treating the case as a fatal pedestrian accident while they gather further details from the scene.