A 64-year-old woman was fatally struck by a SEPTA trolley while jogging through Philadelphia.
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Philadelphia Police Department identified the woman as Samuber Shikhverdieva, who was pronounced dead at the scene on Nov. 2 following the horrific incident.
"They started lifting the trolley, and that's when I realized there was somebody under the trolley," a witness told WPVI. "Just a solemn reminder it could happen at any moment."
Witnesses claim the victim was wearing headphones and may not have heard the incoming trolley.
Police stated that the incident occurred around 9:10 AM local time.
Train service was interrupted while workers were at the scene addressing the incident, officials said.
It is unclear whether charges will be filed against the SEPTA trolley operator.
SEPTA Issues Statement After Fatal Trolley Accident
"Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who lost their life as we investigate this tragic accident," a spokesperson for SEPTA said in a statement to local ABC affiliate WPVI. "SEPTA has also made services available for the trolley operator. The safety and security of our riders, employees, pedestrians and the communities we serve is our top priority. SEPTA will continue to work closely with Philadelphia Police as this investigation moves forward."
Per NBC10 Philadelphia, there were approximately a dozen or more passengers aboard the trolley at the time of the collision. Shuttle buses were used while trolley services were suspended.
Nick Keen, a bystander who arrived at the intersection around the same time as emergency responders, was devastated by the scene.
"It could have been someone I knew or it could have been me. It really puts things into perspective when it happens this close to you," Keen told the outlet.
Keen said the tragedy was a reminder of just how fragile life can be.
"A lady lost her life. It could have been somebody's mother, somebody's granddaughter. It could happen at any moment and it's very sad to think about. It's just a reminder people you love, let them know," Keen said.
Police and SEPTA's System Safety Division are working together on the crash investigation.
