Movement between train stations in the North Philadelphia area had to be abruptly shut down temporarily after a tragic accident led to the death of a 7-year-old boy.

How he lost his life

According to a report on Philly.com, the boy whose name remains undisclosed was selling candy to passengers with his 11-year-old brother and an older man when he fell from a SEPTA subway car.

Philadelphia Police and transit authority officials confirmed that he slipped between cars while trying to walk from one car to the next and "fell through to the tracks." Before anyone could get to him, he was hit by another car.

Unanswered questions and reactions

The actual reason for his fall is yet unknown but, he was pronounced dead by medics as soon as they arrived at the scene. Reactions online are predictably bad. People are heartbroken and demanding answers.

But, in the absence of answers and while an investigation is underway, it’s important to remember that moving between subway cars is not only illegal in some states but dangerous. Outside of disheartening cases where it leads to death, it attracts a heavy fine if you’re caught in the act. Our thoughts are with the family of the little boy.