Teen struck by train in Juniata

JUNIATA (WPVI) -- A boy is fighting for his life Wednesday night after trying to jump on a moving train and missing.

Fourteen-year-old Mustafa Elmitwalli remains at St. Christopher's Hospital in critical condition. His family is thankful he is alive.

His sister Jade White said, "He's got all his sisters and his cousins, dad, mom, best thing he needs right now."

It was here in the 3600 block of Castor Avenue just after 5 p.m. Wednesday where

police say according to witness accounts the teen tried to jump on a CSX train, but he missed and severed his leg.

First responders rushed to stabilize the teen and recover his leg. To get to him, they had to force their way through fencing surrounding the train tracks.

Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said, "A second train that was behind the striking train did witness the part of the accident. That witness engineer is being interviewed by accident investigation officers at this time."

Mustafa's family says they are still trying to understand what happened, and say the teen is a good kid who plays every sport.

"He's the best brother ever. I'm going to say it again," Jade said.

After several hours in surgery, doctors were not able to save Mustafa's leg. Already his family is thinking ahead and how they will care for him moving forward.

"He's a great spirit. He plays all the sports, and him losing his leg is just a horrible thing. But at the end of the day, we're going to be his leg..." Jade said.

SEPTA's Trenton Line was shut down in both directions during the investigation. Service resumed shortly before 6:30 p.m.

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