2 struck, killed by southbound Amtrak train in Delaware County; Community in mourning

CHESTER, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Two people were killed after being struck by an Amtrak train in Chester, Delaware County on Saturday afternoon.

It happened around 4:30 p.m. on the Amtrak tracks near the 400 block of Wilson Street.

Officials say the two victims were struck and killed by the 161 Amtrak train heading southbound to Washington D.C.

The train came to a stop several blocks later at Highland Avenue, according to officials.

There is no word yet on either of the victims' identities.

Officials have also not confirmed the ages of the victims, however, Action News spoke with a woman who says she saw a group of children on the train tracks shortly before the crash.

She says she tried to urge them to leave the tracks.

"There was about five, or six, or seven of them. It was a pack of children on the track," recalled Tracey from Chester. "We were getting out of the car and I said, 'Oh, look at them children up there on that track.' I said, 'Ya'll need to come down off that track,' and they just looked, and I said 'Ya'll come down before you have an accident,' and they just laughed and went about their business."

"I just wish the children would have listened," Tracey continued, "and I'm just so sorry."

Authorities are still investigating the incident.

Chester's mayor is urging residents to stay clear of the tracks.

"We try to encourage both our young folks and old to stay as far away from the tracks as possible. Our prayers go out to the family members," stated Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland.

Again, police have not confirmed the ages of either of the victims at this time.

But while the victims' families deal with their immense loss, officials are calling on the community to surround them with love.

"To be there, to pray with them. If financial support is needed, whatever they need, we as a community will be there for them to make sure they get through this. They will not be alone," said Chaplain Ronald Huges with the Chester Police Department.

In light of the police investigation, Amtrak services were delayed between Wilmington and Philadelphia.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect the two victims are not confirmed to be juveniles, according to officials on the scene.