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Two Train/pedestrian accidents
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CopyTwo pedestrians killed on rails in two days raises 2009 deaths to 11
Trespassing and inattention contribute to highest number of fatalities since 1999
Two people were killed while walking on or across railroad tracks in Minnesota in as many days this week. This raises the number of 2009 railroad/pedestrian fatalities to 11, prompting the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Minnesota Operation Lifesaver to issue a safety alert.
"This is the highest number of pedestrian/rail fatalities in 10 years," said Donna Naumann, executive director, Minnesota Operation Lifesaver. "We urge people to pay increased attention to the dangers of walking on or near railroad tracks."
There were five rail/pedestrian fatalities in Minnesota in 2008.
A 51-year-old man was killed early Monday morning, Oct. 19, near Winona State University when he fell into the path of an oncoming Soo Line train.
A 24-year-old man was struck and killed Tuesday evening, Oct. 20, by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train at a railroad crossing west of Litchfield. The train sounded its whistle prior to the accident, but the victim may have been wearing headphones at the time.
Copyright 2009 Tri-County News, Kimball, Minnesota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.
© 2010 Tri-County News Kimball, Minnesota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.
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