Out of the thirteen pedestrians that have now been run over by trains this year in Washington, four of them have been in Puyallup. This certainly has nothing to do with the citizens of Puyallup being more prone to getting run over by trains. Sure, a few of the 13 have been suicides, but the Puyallup statistic may imply that there is either a problem with security or speed limits in populated areas. Regardless, a man is dead and, as always, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) is blaming the victim.
The early-morning Sounder commuter train was heading south from Seattle to Tacoma around 6:50 am this morning. According to Sound Transit spokesman, that’s when what is described as a man in 20’s was hit.
Lt. Dave McDonald of the Puyallup Police said that the Sounder train likely struck the man without realizing it and the body was found on the tracks about 7:30 am. He said there were no crossings where the man was struck and he was trespassing.
Sound Transit canceled one train heading from Seattle to Tacoma, but did run one train from Puyallup to Seattle. Others trying to catch a train in Tacoma for Seattle were put on buses.
A BNSF spokesperson said that most of this year’s deaths were accidents and some were suicides. All but one were trespassing, he said
Typically, 16 to 18 pedestrians and 2 drivers die on the tracks each year in the state.
He said that modern technology has increased the risks. Trains are quieter and people more distracted by mobile devices. The public should be aware that any train can move in any direction at any time, he said.
“Don’t take shortcuts,” he said. “Use the designated public crossing.”
That’s good advice. A train can be moving through a residential area at far higher speed than cars and they can creep up on an individual at a moment’s notice. Generally the Sounder travels at around 80 mph through the area where the man was hit. Please be careful crossing the tracks.
Our condolences go out to his family.
If you or a loved one are injured or killed in a train accident you will need competent and proven legal council to mediate between you and the railroad companies’ legal team. Call the wrongful death lawyers at Phillips Webster for a consultation into your legal options.
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