Leg amputated to rescue man pinned under train in NE Philly

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A 46-year-old man is hospitalized after being struck by a freight train in Northeast Philadelphia.

It happened at 2:45 a.m. Wednesday on the tracks near the 200 block of Grant Avenue near Welsh Road.

First responders were called to the scene after the man was struck by a CSX train and became trapped.

Medics worked for about 2 hours to free the man.

A surgical team from Einstein Medical Center was called in.

Action News is told surgeons had to amputate the man's leg, but he remained conscious during the procedure.

He was taken to Aria Health/Torresdale in critical condition after being freed.

Police said they were not sure what the man was doing on the tracks.

Grant Avenue was shut down near the scene for several hours as police investigated.

Stay with Action News and 6abc.com for more information as it becomes available.