A 15-year-old boy who had been reported missing by his family over the weekend was killed after being struck by a freight train in Philadelphia’s Bustleton neighborhood, authorities said.
The teenager, identified by family members as Abdusalom Babaev, was hit by a CSX freight train late Monday night, July 20, near Grant Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
The incident happened at approximately 11:15 p.m., investigators said.
Teen Had Been Reported Missing Days Earlier
Police said Babaev had been reported missing on Sunday, July 19, and his information was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database as a missing child.
Family members told NBC10 that they had spent two days searching for the teenager before learning about his death.
They said they had been sharing his photograph on social media and asking the community for help locating him.
Relatives later confirmed that the image circulating online was of Babaev.
Family members also told investigators that they found his shoes near the train tracks where he was later discovered.
Train Crew Tried to Stop Before Collision
According to investigators, the CSX freight train was traveling at a normal speed during nighttime conditions when the conductor noticed the teenager on the tracks.
The 55-year-old conductor attempted to apply the brakes, but officials said the train could not stop in time to avoid the collision.
Authorities said no members of the train crew were injured in the incident.
A CSX spokesperson released a statement expressing sympathy for those affected by the tragedy.
“There were no injuries to the crew. CSX extends its deepest sympathies to everyone impacted by this tragic incident and will support local law enforcement as they complete the investigation,” the company said.
Community Shocked by Teen’s Death
Neighbors in the Bustleton area said the teenager’s death has deeply affected the community.
Residents said many people had been trying to help the family by sharing missing-person information online and hoping Babaev would be found safely.
Neighbor Christian Verma said the loss was heartbreaking.
“It hurts. I love kids so it’s very painful,” Verma said.
Another resident, who asked not to be identified, said many people in the neighborhood were following the search for the missing teen before learning about the fatal train accident.
The neighbor said residents were devastated after hearing the news.
“I’m speechless,” the neighbor said. “We live by the tracks. We hear trains coming and going. We never think someone was on the track, getting killed or injured. It’s very sad.”
Police Investigating Circumstances
Philadelphia police said they are still investigating why Babaev went missing and what led to him being on the train tracks.
Authorities said there is currently no indication that the teenager died by suicide.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials have not released additional details about where Babaev was located before the crash or why he was near the tracks.
Family and Community Remember Teen
The teenager’s death has left family members, neighbors and community members mourning.
Residents who joined the search effort said they had hoped for a safe reunion and were devastated that the search ended in tragedy.
Police continue working to gather information as the investigation remains ongoing.
