| Officials investigate death at Selkirk Yard |
|---|
| Rail officials Dec. 19 were continuing to investigate the cause of an accident that claimed the life late Monday (Dec. 18) of a man working at the Selkirk rail yards, the Albany Times Union reports. John A. Williams, a mechanic with 13 years of experience at the railroad, was riding an ATV on an access road in the yards when a New Jersey-bound freight train struck him at a crossing about midnight Monday. Williams worked in the mechanical department, which handles inspections and repairs. The 53-year-old Albany man was found under the engine, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene early Tuesday. Scores of rescue personnel and equipment were sent to the accident scene in an area just off Bell Crossing Road. Crossings at the yards don’t have barriers to prevent people from crossing when a train passes, said Bob Sullivan, a spokesman for CSX Transportation, which owns the yards. CSX took over the property in 1999 as part of its acquisition of Conrail. Sullivan described the crossing where Williams died as “clearly marked,” apparently with stop signs. Police and rail officials had no word on what caused the accident. “We are working closely with the Bethlehem police and with the Federal Railroad Administration to thoroughly investigate and make sure we understand what happened here,” Sullivan said. “So, if there’s a lesson to be learned, we learn it.” No charges have been filed. (This item appeared Dec. 20, 2006, in the Albany Times Union.) |
A train can be expected on ANY track, ANY time, in either direction. Sounds like a victim of complacency. Very sad indeed .
Randy
This on top of the incident at DeWitt just the other day.
One can get too familiar with one’s surroundings. Complacency might have been the issue, but it might have been a distraction (within or without), too.
That’s kind of a scary thought that such a statement would need to be included in the story. There is almost an undertone there that indicates that possibly charges should have been filed.
Most reporters are woefully ignorent about rail accidents, and tend to compare them to motor vehicle accidents - hence the no charges files line.
Having seen the priminary report…this guy couldn’t wait the five minutes for the train pass, and cut in front of it. Obviously, he didn’t make it. Another case of someone who should have known better, taking a shortcut or a mental vacation.
Remember, even if it’s a tie at the crossing, you lose.
Nick
It might be more to the concept that an inexperienced reported has no idea the difference between a criminal act on the part of the carrier or the ability of the survivor of the dead man filing a civil suit.
Before “charges can be filed” there has to be evidence that a crime was committed, when most likely this will fall into the realm of an industrial accident instead.
You would have to discover evidence that either the carrier, through negligence, or the person operating the locomotive or RCL intended to cause harm, or intended to endanger someone through their actions or lack of action.
Pretty sure the reported never even considered that, but just asked, as a matter of course if any charged would be filed, just as he or she would ask the same question at the scene of a automotive traffic accident where a death occurred.
Ed,
This is a completely different incident. A carman cut in front of a departing road train.
Nick
Then he let his mind wander…he should have known better…
Strange, our carmen go to great lengths to get blocked every chance they get…gives them an excuse to sit on the scooters and do nothing, or go to the shanty and drink coffee.
Maybe he had a different “hidey-hole…”
See edited post…Better?
This unfortunate gentleman had doubled, and was beginning his second tour. Apparently, he was in a hurry to get his work done, so he could rest for remainder of the shift.
Unlike the RCO incident (which is still under investigation), this one is cut and dry. The carman ignored safe working practices and paid with his life.
Nick