PHILADELPHIA — A tragic accident on the city’s Broad Street Line claimed the life of a 41-year-old man early Monday morning, leaving transit riders and the surrounding community shaken. Authorities have identified the victim as Terrell Burton, who lived in the 1600 block of West Allegheny Avenue, according to a preliminary police release.
The fatal incident happened around 1:30 a.m. at the Broad Street Line station located at 4200 N. Broad Street. Police said Burton had exited the train as it arrived at the station, a routine moment that quickly turned deadly. Investigators say the events that followed unfolded in a matter of seconds.
According to police, as the train began moving southbound, Burton stepped backward on the platform. In doing so, he lost his footing and fell into the narrow gap between the train and the platform. Authorities said he was unable to pull himself to safety before the train continued forward.
Police said Burton was struck and run over by the moving train, causing severe injuries. Transit officials were alerted immediately, and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene. The late-night station became the focus of a major emergency response as crews worked to reach the victim on the tracks.
The Philadelphia Fire Department responded and assisted in accessing the track area. Despite their efforts, Burton was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 2:03 a.m., police said. The station was temporarily impacted while first responders and investigators worked to secure the area and document the scene.
The investigation remains active and is being handled by the Crash Investigation Division, authorities confirmed. Officials are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fall, including the train’s movement and conditions on the platform at the time of the incident. As investigators continue their work, Burton’s death stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers present near active train platforms, particularly during late-night hours when visibility and alertness may be reduced.
