On Monday afternoon in Philadelphia, a teenager was badly shot, and four others sustained injuries during a shooting scene at a SEPTA bus stop, according to the police.
SEPTA Bus Stop Shooting Casualty
The shooting unfolded around 3:45 p.m. near Broad Street and Godfrey Avenue. The 17-year-old male victim, who was badly shot multiple times, appeared to be targeted, as cited by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel during a media briefing.
Two 15-year-old boys suffered graze bruises, a 71-year-old woman was shot in the head, and a 49-year-old woman was grazed in the right forearm, as per police reports. The shooting took place at a busy intersection where about 20 school-aged children were present at the bus stop.
Two individuals approached the bus, where approximately 20 school-aged children were waiting, and initiated the gunfire while the bus was stationary and people were boarding.
Although the situation was serious, Commissioner Bethel noted that it could have been much worse, given the busy intersection and the multiple rounds fired.
Read Also: 16-Year-Old Charged with Murder After Shooting 2 Adults, Injuring 2 in Point Hope, Alaska
Death of Teenager and 4 Others Injured
As of Monday night, no arrests had been reported by the police. A SEPTA spokesperson conveyed deep concern, intensifying that such scenes are exceptionally rare for the transit service and considered any incident improper.
The spokesperson displayed the deadly nature of the scene, which claimed one life and left several others, including two women on the Route 6 bus, injured as they were going about their day.
Around 3:45 p.m., when almost 15 to 20 people were boarding a bus at North Broad Street and West Godfrey Avenue, two individuals walked up and opened fire, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
Among the five victims, the 17-year-old, whose identity remains anonymous, was badly shot and pronounced dead at Albert Einstein Medical Center. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel recorded that the deceased individual seemed to have been specifically targeted.
Two females on the bus were also hit by gunfire: a 49-year-old with a gunshot wound to her right arm and a 71-year-old shot in the head. Both were announced to be in stable condition.
Another casualty was a 15-year-old boy who encountered a graze wound to his right shoulder while trying to leave the chaotic incident.
During the police search, it was learned that another 15-year-old boy had arrived at Einstein Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the buttocks; however, he is expected to survive.
The bus driver took unclear action by pulling the bus away from the gunfire, and sources cited that as many as 40 shots were fired, according to Fox Philadelphia.
SEPTA issued a statement expressing the gravity of the incident, emphasizing the tragic loss of life and injuries, particularly to two women on the Route 6 bus who were simply going about their day.
The transportation authority asserted that all SEPTA customers should feel safe while traveling.
No arrests have been made, and SEPTA's police force will continue collaborating with Philadelphia authorities to enhance transit safety.
Related Article : 13-Year Old Teen Allegedly Shot a Man on a Denver Bus After an Argument