A 38-year-old man was killed by a train following a physical fight at the 34th Street Station of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Authorities have charged Chaz Wearing, 40, with involuntary manslaughter in connection to the incident. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office reports that the violent encounter took place on the Market-Frankford line platform around 4:30 p.m.
NBC10 obtained video footage showing Wearing involved in an escalating argument that culminated in a physical confrontation. The footage shows Wearing striking the other man, who then fell onto the tracks and was hit by an approaching train.
Wearing, believed by the police to be homeless and having an outstanding warrant for an unrelated strangulation case in Delaware County, was arrested shortly after the incident at the 40th Street Station. His criminal record also includes incidents in Clinton and Lycoming counties.
The Philadelphia Police Department, under the leadership of Inspector Kpana Massaquoi, is still trying to ascertain the factors that led to the dispute.
The incident led to the closure of the 34th Street Station for a few hours, which impacted the surrounding area near Drexel University’s campus. SEPTA arranged shuttle bus services between the 30th and 40th Street stations to cater to commuters in both directions.
SEPTA Police are leading the ongoing investigation into the incident, trying to determine the relationship between the two men and the cause of the fatal altercation. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office has indicated that charges against Wearing may change as the investigation progresses.
The event has raised questions about safety among SEPTA passengers. Jacob Davidson, one passenger, voiced his shock at the incident, stating it was highly unusual for what he considered a safe area. The incident has also highlighted the larger issue of homelessness within the city’s transit system.
The identity of the deceased man has not yet been disclosed by SEPTA officials. They are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to aid the ongoing investigation.