PATCO train strikes, kills 2 construction workers on Ben Franklin Bridge Friday night

Joseph P. Smith, Vineland Daily Journal
·1 min read
The PATCO Hi-Speedline rail yard in Lindenwold.

CAMDEN — Two construction workers were killed Friday night on the Ben Franklin Bridge when a westbound PATCO Speedline train struck them, according to the Delaware River Port Authority.

DRPA spokesman Mike Williams said Saturday morning the investigation is continuing and no more details are available immediately. DRPA bridge police and Camden County officials are involved in the investigation.

Williams said the accident took place about 9:20 p.m. Friday near the middle of the seven-lane bridge but closer to the New Jersey side.

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The bridge connects Camden and downtown Philadelphia, including with railroad tracks on either side of the bridge. The accident took place on rail lines on the northern side of the bridge, or its right side for traffic headed into Philadelphia.

A safety director for JPC Group Inc. said Saturday morning the two workers were part of the company, which is family owned and based in Philadelphia and Blackwood.

The safety director, who declined to provide his name, said the company and families of the victims are waiting for more information on the accident. He asked that people keep the families in their prayers.

The workers were involved in a long-term bridge rehabilitation project announced in March 2020 and due to continue through December 2024.

Since early September, milling and paving work is being done from 7 p.m. Fridays through 7 p.m. Sundays. That work is listed to continue through Nov. 6, according to the authority.

This story may be updated.

Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey more than 30 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.

Have a tip? Reach out at jsmith@thedailyjournal.com. Help support local journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Vineland Daily Journal: PATCO train kills two workers on Ben Franklin Bridge Friday