PHILADELPHIA, PA – A teenage boy lost his life, and four others were injured in a shooting incident at a bus stop in Philadelphia on Monday, according to local law enforcement.
The incident took place around 3:45 p.m. while a crowd of 15 to 20 people were boarding a bus at the intersection of North Broad Street and West Godfrey Avenue. Two individuals approached the group and began firing, as reported by the Philadelphia Police Department.
Among the victims was an unidentified 17-year-old boy who was fatally wounded. He was rushed to Albert Einstein Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel confirmed the incident and indicated that the deceased seemed to be the primary target.
Two female passengers in the bus were also hit by the gunfire. A 49-year-old woman was hit in her right arm, and a 71-year-old woman was shot in the head. Both are currently in stable condition.
The other victims included a 15-year-old boy who suffered a graze wound to his right shoulder while trying to escape the scene. During the investigation, police learned that another 15-year-old boy had independently reached the Einstein Medical Center with a gunshot wound to his buttocks.
In an attempt to escape the gunfire, the bus driver quickly drove the bus away from the scene. Reports suggest that as many as 40 shots were fired during the incident.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) expressed its distress over the incident, emphasizing that all SEPTA customers should feel safe while traveling. No arrests have been made yet, but SEPTA’s police force is working closely with Philadelphia authorities to ensure transit safety.