Philadelphia Police are investigating a fatal collision involving a CSX freight train and a juvenile pedestrian that occurred late Monday night in Northeast Philadelphia.
On Monday, July 20, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m., officers responded to the area of the 1500 block of Grant Avenue for a report of a train striking a pedestrian.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a CSX train, operated by a 55-year-old man, was traveling northbound at a normal operating speed under conditions of darkness and limited visibility when the conductor observed a 15-year-old male walking southbound on the railroad tracks. The conductor immediately initiated emergency braking in an attempt to avoid a collision but was unable to stop the train before striking the juvenile.
The Philadelphia Fire Department responded to the scene and pronounced the juvenile deceased at 11:44 p.m. The victim has been identified as 15-year-old Abdusalom Babaev from 93XX Neil Road.
During the investigation, authorities determined the victim had been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database as a missing person on July 19, 2026. Notifications are pending.
The investigation remains active and ongoing with the Crash Investigation Division.
Thank you and stay safe.