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Boy Loses Part Of Leg In Freight Train Accident

LOWELL (CBS) -- A 12-year-old boy lost part of his leg in a train accident in Lowell Sunday afternoon.

Police said the boy was with his friends playing on the train tracks and jumping on a passing freight train. The 12-year old slipped and the train ran over his leg.

The group was playing near the intersection of Western Ave. and School Street early Sunday afternoon when the accident happened.

"Initial investigation indicates the boy was with friends jumping on the train when he slipped and his leg was run over," Lowell police said, calling the situation "a tragic accident."

In that area trains are only allowed to reach a top speed of 10 mph.

Krystal Pagan, of Lowell, said the tracks are a popular cut-through and hang-out spot.

"You can drive by and you see the kids always crossing, playing," said Pagan.

The boy is at Tufts Medical Center.

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