Track Fatality in Seattle

A man was killed on Saturday night on the tracks at Carkeek Park, according to this KIRO write-up. The locomotive horn scattered a number of people who were on the tracks, and the one killed was the one who didn't move. The group was not at a sanctioned crossing.

This sad tale is repeated every year along that line, at Golden Gardens and Carkeek. My heart goes out to the family and friends of this man.



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Boy and Girl Track Fatality in Woodland

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Two kids died when they were hit by an Amtrak train in Woodland. It's always sad to report this type of news, especially when there are children involved. This fatality happened where there is no appropriate crossing. The dangers that surround tracks are so black and white; there is no reset button, no second chance to escape a train moving at tremendous speed. This sort of education is what Operation Lifesaver is all about.

My heart and prayers go out to the family members who are feeling tremendous loss today. Details from the news are here:

http://www.kirotv.com/news/19186584/detail.html#-

Railroads and The Law Team Up for Safety at Crossings

The word "Sting" is usually associated with some seedy underworld dealings, typically a skin house or "massage" parlor. This time the word is used to describe cross-bureau operating teaming UP, BNSF, and local police to get the word out about safety at Railroad Crossings.

This is not a new subject for us her at WARail. Sadly, nine people died at crossings last year in Washington. I would love to see this go to Zero if possible, and this effort is well justified.

Video - Trains Hitting Cars

Before you cross those tracks, consider what a locomotive can do to your ride. This short video on YouTube from Pentrex gives you a good visual!

I'm a huge advocate for rail safety, so I think this one is a good thing to show kids so they can see just how much damage a train can do.

BNSF on Budoca Collision: Crossing Arms were Working

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The Chronicle Online reports that BNSF reviewed video from the lead locomotive involved in a tragic accident down in Bucoda. Witnesses say the crossing arms were not working correctly earlier in the day, but video showed the arms down and functional when the train passed through. The tape has also been made available to local authorities.

Pedestrians and Trains

There have been a lot of accidents on Washington tracks this year involving people on the rails. Some have been fatal...all have been tragic. There is some discussion in a previous post about who's to blame over one incident in Stanwood. Others, like the incident above photographed by Steve Carter, are more clear cut.

Always expect a train. If you have no business there, stay off the tracks!

Amtrak train collides with bike; woman killed

Fatality number eight for Washington this year. A tragic - and often avoidable - situation.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004428802_webbiketrain21m.html