Police: 2 struck and killed by train in Upper Merion Township

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (WPVI) -- Police say two people were struck and killed by a freight train in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County.

It happened around 7:30 a.m. on the Harrisburg line near the old Port Kennedy Station close to Valley Forge National Park.

Norfolk Southern says the train was heading west bound from Bucks County to Chicago. There were three locomotives and 36 freight cars.

"Upon arrival, we did find two deceased males that appeared to be walking on the tracks and the investigation is ongoing at this point. We don't know who they are or what they were doing down here," said Sgt. Al Elverson, Upper Merion Township Police.

Action News has learned it appears the men were taking pictures on the stretch of scenic rail and were on the tracks when the freight train, pulling almost 40 cars, struck them.

The area is popular for train enthusiasts. There are several videos on YouTube of Norfolk Southern locomotives slowly moving past this particular stop, which is no longer in service.

King of Prussia resident Brian Sakal is often here early on Saturdays to sit and watch trains come through but he wasn't here this morning when the tragic accident happened.

He says the victims probably just didn't hear the locomotive.

"If you're on that side of the tracks, there's a blind spot. You can see past those bridges and you may not hear it before it's too late. At least on this side you can see ahead what's coming around the bend, said Sakal.

In fact, as we recorded video of a train slowly moving past the scene, suddenly a much faster train sped by and we didn't hear much of anything until the engine was right next to us.

"Stay off the railroad tracks. It's dangerous, railroads are dangerous - it's not a playground," said Sakal.

That's why Norfolk Southern conductors were even more on alert after Saturday's fatal accident, notifying park rangers and police to possible train track trespassers.

Investigators haven't said how fast the train was going but the speed limit is 50 miles per hour. The two crew members on-board were not injured.

Police say the conductors were interviewed before the train was allowed to continue on.

Meanwhile investigators have not released the identities of the two men who were killed.