NORRISTOWN, PA – A SEPTA trolley crash in Montgomery County left eight people injured, prompting a federal investigation into the accident. The incident occurred near the Norristown Transit Center, where the trolley collided with a barrier at the end of the tracks, causing significant concern among local transit authorities.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team to Norristown to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, which happened shortly after 9:30 a.m. The trolley operator, who has been with SEPTA for three and a half years, is among those injured. The trolley remained on the tracks throughout the day as investigators worked to gather evidence.
A total of eight individuals reported injuries, with one person suffering severe head and neck trauma, requiring airlift to a nearby hospital. SEPTA’s interim general manager, Scott Sauer, highlighted the seriousness of the injuries, which prompted the NTSB’s involvement. The other injuries were reported as minor.
The crash left a noticeable dent on the front of the high-speed line trolley, raising questions about the cause of the collision. Emergency response teams, trained regularly with SEPTA, managed the situation efficiently, ensuring all injured parties received prompt medical attention.
In response to the accident, SEPTA temporarily replaced trolley services with shuttle buses between Norristown and Gulph Mills. Normal operations resumed by midday, even as investigation teams continued their work at the scene. Sauer emphasized SEPTA’s commitment to safety and pledged full cooperation with the NTSB to determine the cause of the crash.
Video footage from the trolley and extensive interviews with the operator are part of the ongoing investigation. Sauer assured the public that SEPTA prioritizes safety and is committed to preventing future incidents by implementing necessary safeguards.
Despite one track remaining closed, Sauer expressed confidence in a return to normal service by Monday morning, minimizing disruption for commuters. The investigation aims to uncover the factors that led to the collision and ensure the safety of future operations.