Authorities Issue PSA After Deadly SEPTA Crash In Delco

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — After a woman was killed while allegedly trying to cross train tracks while SEPTA trains were passing by and the crossing gates were down in Delaware County, a local fire company is warning the public how dangerous that can be.

East Lansdowne Fire Company issued a statement on their Facebook page urging drivers not to go around crossing gates.

"When the gates are down and the lights are flashing at any train crossing, it means STOP," the fire company said. "Do not try to cross the tracks in your vehicle, or as a pedestrian."

The announcement comes on the heels of a fatal crash on Union Avenue in Lansdowne.

A woman driving an SUV was reportedly trying to get around the crossing gate as two SEPTA trains were heading through the area.

The SUV was hit by a Media/Elwyn line SEPTA train and pushed about 500 feet before coming to a rest.

"In this case, one outbound train had just passed through the crossing and the lights remained flashing and the gates were down," the fire company said of Monday's fatal incident. "A few drivers drove around the gates and they were very lucky. What they didn't know was that the gates stayed down and lights kept flashing because a second train was approaching from the opposite (inbound) side."

The fire company called Monday's incident horrific and urge drivers to be patient and obey signals.