PHILADELPHIA — A Jeep was removed from trolley tracks Saturday morning after a driver somehow ended up in an underground tunnel in West Philadelphia, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority said.
A white Jeep Grand Cherokee managed to get onto the tracks at the 40th Street Portal and drove a considerable distance below ground before getting stuck around 5 a.m., WHYY reported.
“It’s a place that would be difficult to make a turn into,” Andrew Busch, SEPTA spokesman, told the Philly Voice.
Crews worked for two hours to remove the SUV and another hour after that inspecting the track and tunnel for any possible damage, the Voice reported.
The trolley resumed service at 8 a.m.
The transportation agency said this was not the first time a vehicle had gotten on to the tracks. However, in the past, it happened on the regional rail system.
“I can’t remember the last time that’s happened,” Busch told WHYY. “You would really have to go out of your way to do that.”
Information about the driver was not released. It is unclear if the driver will face any charges.
Only in Philadelphia. https://t.co/nhzYuPyfrs pic.twitter.com/WAuQVZpVQe
— Ben Kamens (@BeeKamens) August 15, 2021
TRL: All trolleys are on diversion to 40th and Market Streets until further notice due to a vehicle blocking the rails of the trolley tunnel.
— SEPTA (@SEPTA) August 14, 2021
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