Following the tragic deaths of three members of the same family who were killed by a train near Bristol Station in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Amtrak service between Philadelphia and New York was suspended for several hours on Thursday evening, according to officials within the organization.
A woman who was married to one of the victims was interviewed by News Philadelphia. She stated that her husband, his brother, and their father were all slain in the incident. According to her, they come from a large family, and this is a significant loss that everyone is attempting to come to terms with.
Christopher Cramp, who was 56 years old, David Cramp, who was 31 years old, and Thomas Cramp, who was 24 years old were the victims, according to the Bucks County coroner, who made the announcement on Friday. The coroner determined that Thomas Cramp had committed suicide.
The three members of the family were struck by an Amtrak Acela train that was going south toward Philadelphia, as stated by the Bristol Borough Police Department. The incident occurred just before six o’clock each evening. There is still a lack of clarity regarding the specific nature of the crash.
Chief of Police Joseph Moors of the Bristol Borough Police Department stated that “this is a horrific tragedy.”
This information was provided by Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, whose district includes Bristol, in a separate statement. Fitzpatrick stated that the train was headed from Boston to Richmond, Virginia. According to him, there were 236 people on board at the time, including both passengers and crew members, and none of them were injured. Shuttle buses were used to transport the people aboard the train to their destinations off the train.
The tragic event took place just a few minutes away from Tony Bucci’s firehouse, according to the chief of the American Hose Hook and Ladder Fire Company, Tony Bucci. When Christopher Cramp was a member of the same fire company for his whole life, he served as a trustee.
“Chris, I’ve probably known since he was in high [school],” Bucci stated in response. “We go way back, not just the firehouse but personally.”
As soon as train service was resumed at Bristol Station on Friday morning, Amtrak crews began walking along the tracks and platforms.
Christopher Cramp is remembered by his fellow firemen as a man who would do anything to alleviate the suffering of others. His passion, according to those who knew him, was homelessness outreach and mental health.
According to Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia, “He has the potential to significantly impact the lives of individuals.” “There are some of us who believe that we can. Without a doubt, Chris altered people’s lives.
Christopher Cramp started working for Bucks County’s Department of Housing and Community Development Office in September, but according to officials there, he had been doing hard work through street outreach for years prior to him joining the department.
“He was at every event that we had, and I don’t know when he slept,” said Nicholas Emeigh, who works for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Bucks County. “So, he really was a unique individual and it leaves a huge gap in the community.”
“If you’ve been impacted by this event in any way, I’d love it if you reached out to NAMI Bucks County,” Emeigh emphasized further. “Our local number is 215-343-3055, and our national number is 1-866-399-NAMI (2006).” “That is a number that is free of charge for everyone.”
In an update that was released by Amtrak shortly after 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, the company stated that service had been restored on the rails between Philadelphia and New York.
“All services operating through the area will be operating at restricted speeds,” Amtrak announced on the television network X. Contingent delays may be experienced by trains that are traveling through this region. At this point, I would want to express my gratitude for your unwavering patience.
A suspension of service was also implemented for the West Trenton line of the SEPTA. According to SEPTA, riders can find recommendations for alternative services on the organization’s website.
“I heard the loudest screech I’ve ever heard before in my life,” claimed Ashley Spencer, a resident of Bristol. A person who lives in Bristol. “Like it was trying to brake and it couldn’t.”
This incident is still being looked into by authorities.
This is the second person to lose their life in Bucks County this week as a result of interaction with an Amtrak train. A person was killed when they were struck by an Amtrak train on Wednesday, which occurred close to the Cornwells Heights Station.
If you or someone you love is at a loss or experiencing a crisis, there is assistance available to you. Text or call 988, or speak with someone at 988lifeline.org. Additionally, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides access to a variety of resources. Dial 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) toll-free.
