SEPTA probe after video of violent attack on train was captured

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – Officers are investigating after a video of a violent attack involving students on SEPTA’s Broad Street line was captured.

According to the transit agency, the incident took place after school at around 3.30 pm on Wednesday in a train near Erie station.

The video shows a female student shouting at a group of other students on the train, who appear to be of Asian descent. The quarrel escalates rapidly.

In the video, a student, now a suspect, is seen throwing a punch. The group of victims sits and tries to defend themselves.

One of the suspects gets into the face of another student standing. Then the suspect’s attention turns to the students sitting back.

More obscene things are done and then the situation becomes more violent.

Many times the face of the standing student gets hurt. Then his head is slammed from the side of the train and he is driven to the ground. He is repeatedly punched.

One of the suspects can be seen taking off his shoe and thrashing the victim repeatedly.

Then you hear someone’s voice and the video stops.

“Septa police were informed and an investigation was launched immediately. Progress has been made in identifying the persons involved in the attack. Investigators are interviewing witnesses and reviewing cell phone videos that were released on social media as well as SEPTA surveillance video, Andrew Bush, director of SEPTA Media Relations, said in a statement.

SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel says he expects arrests to be made soon after victims have identified the suspects.

At this point, SEPTA police have not said what caused the attack, but add that they are working closely with the Philadelphia School District to get to the bottom of it.

Officials said no one was reported to be seriously injured.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact SEPTA Police at (215) 580-8111 or Philadelphia Police at 215-686-TIPS.