Police were forced to close an intersection west of downtown Phoenix after a pedestrian was hit by a train.
Pedestrian Hit By Train
At 8 a.m. Thursday morning, Phoenix police reported a train hit a pedestrian near 27th Avenue and Thomas Road. Helicopter footage of the scene showed the train had stopped on the tracks as police officers and paramedics worked.
According to the Phoenix Fire Department, one woman had to be taken to a hospital in serious condition following the collision.
Crossing at Trains
There are many precautions that need to be taken if you are a pedestrian crossing near a train or train tracks, including:
- Only cross tracks at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.
- Remember that trains can come from either direction.
- Don’t cross the tracks immediately after a train passes because you never know if there is a second train that you might not have seen. Wait until you are able to see clearly around the first train in both directions.
- Obey flashing red lights. They mean that a train is approaching from either direction.
- Do not cross the tracks until the lights have stopped flashing.
- Never walk around or behind lowered gates.
- Unless you are at a designated public crossing or platform, railroad tracks, trestles, yards, and equipment are considered private property. Trespassers are subject to arrest and fine.
- It can take a mile or even longer for a train to come to a complete stop. Because of this, a train engineer who suddenly spots you will not be able to stop in time.
- Trains hang over beyond the tracks by at least three feet in both directions. That means if you are standing near the tracks you can be hit.
- Trains do not always follow set schedules.
