News: Pedestrian Accidents

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Train Hits Pedestrian in Minneapolis – Third Light-Rail Incident in Just Over One Month

Police say Peter Hoecherl was on foot when he was hit by a Minneapolis Metro Transit Light Rail train on Hiawatha Avenue between 32nd and 33rd streets. Police are still trying to determine why it happened.

Hoecherl was alert and talking before he was taken to an area hospital, but remains in critical condition.

Metro Transit service was interrupted for about an hour. As normal procedure, Metro Transit say the train conductor will be tested for drugs and alcohol.

This is the third light-rail train accident along Hiawatha Avenue in just over a month. A man was hit and killed by a train near 26th and Hiawatha Avenue on August 13. On August 3, witnesses claim a train smashed into Abdirahman Hirsi after he drove a car around a crossing arm. He died six days later in a hospital.

Intoxicated Bicyclist Hit by BNSF Train

A man got off his bicycle, walked around flashing lights and gates, and in front of a train the night of June 24 in Central Fresno.

The accident occurred around 9 p.m. on Belmont and Abbey. Police say the man was intoxicated.

When police arrived on the scene, the man was found lying underneath the train, but remained conscious. The man suffered severe trauma to his legs and was reported to be in critical condition. Police say that the man is expected to survive his injuries.

Boy On Bicycle Killed By Train

June 23, 2009

One boy was killed and another was hospitalized in West Virginia following a train accident. Authorities say a boy under the age of 14 was riding a bike near the Van Clevesville Road railroad crossing when he was hit by a train.

Authorities are still investigating the incident, but say the deceased boy was visiting from another area. The other boy was taken to the hospital. Police have not determined why the boys were on the track at the time of the accident.

MARC trains were stopped in both directions while crews cleared the scene.

Most passengers called for someone to pick them up. One passenger said, ''I just want to get as far away from here as I can. I'm just sick over this. A child died.''

More Than 300 Attended Funeral For Eighth-Grader Killed By Train

May 11, 2009

Prince Tyre was killed April 23 when a CSX freight train heading southbound hit him while on the way to Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School. County police pronounced him dead at the scene at approximately 8:25 a.m. Tyre was killed near the 8700 block of Locust Grove Drive, which is located roughly halfway between his house and the school. He was not at a dedicated railroad crossing.

Almost two weeks later, Prince George's County police spokesman Henry Tippett said police have yet to conclude the investigation.

In a letter sent home to Eisenhower Middle School families the day after Tyre's death, Principal Charoscar Coleman stressed the importance of arriving and leaving school safely. ''Crossing train tracks is not a safe route as a short cut to school, and we highly encourage you to remind your children to always make good choices regarding safe routes to school,'' Coleman wrote.

Unfortunately, dedicated railroad crossings with lights and gates to warn of approaching trains are not aways located conveniently for pedestrians. Consequently, people can develop the habit of crossing tracks in other locations as a shortcut. Freight trains do not run on regular schedules and can come down the tracks at any time.

California Leads Train Pedestrian Accident Fatality Statistics

May 4, 2009

According to preliminary Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) data, California led all states in the number of pedestrians killed in railroad accidents last year. Five states made up 39 percent of the 458 pedestrian fatalities last year. The top five most dangerous states for train pedestrian accidents are:

1. California - 65
2. Illinois - 35
3. Texas - 29
4. Florida - 26
5. Pennsylvania - 23

Texas leads the country in railroad crossing motor vehicle accidents and deaths.