Amtrak service between Philadelphia and New York stopped for hours Thursday evening after a train fatally struck three family members near Bristol Station in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, authorities reported, via CBS. The incident disrupted travel along a busy corridor, leaving passengers stranded as officials investigated the scene.
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The Bucks County Coroner's Office identified the victims as Christopher Cramp, 56, David Cramp, 31, and Thomas Cramp, 24. Bristol Borough Police said an Amtrak Acela train heading south toward Philadelphia hit the trio just before 6 p.m. Investigators have not yet determined how the collision occurred.
CBS News Philadelphia interviewed the wife of one victim. She revealed her husband, his brother, and their father died in the crash. "We come from a big family," she said. "This is a huge loss everyone is trying to process." Bristol Borough Police Chief Joseph Moors called it "a horrific tragedy."
Train Details and Passenger Impact
Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, representing the Bristol area, said the train originated in Boston and was bound for Richmond, Virginia. He noted 236 passengers and crew were aboard. None suffered injuries. Amtrak shuttled passengers to other stations via buses.
Service resumed after 10:45 p.m., Amtrak announced on X. "All services operating through the area will run at restricted speeds," the statement read. "Trains may face residual delays. We appreciate your patience." SEPTA also halted its West Trenton line, directing riders to its website for alternate options.
Witness Ashley Spencer, a Bristol resident, described hearing "the loudest screech I've ever heard." She added, "It was like the train tried to brake but couldn't." The active scene will receive an update Friday morning, Moors confirmed.
Second Incident in Bucks County
This marks the second fatal Amtrak pedestrian incident in Bucks County this week. On Wednesday, a train killed a person near Cornwells Heights Station. Authorities have not linked the two events, but the incidents highlight safety concerns along the rail line.
The disruption affected thousands of travelers between two major cities. Amtrak's Acela, a high-speed service, typically runs at full capacity, amplifying the impact. Police and Amtrak officials continue to investigate the Bristol collision. Details remain scarce as the community mourns the loss of the Cramp family.
