Man killed by train in Watseka, IL

[SantaFebuff]

Being a paperboy, I can't help but notice train news stories. Here's what was published today:

A 39-year-old Watseka man was killed early this morning. He was reportedly hit by a train while walking across the Union Pacific Railroad tracks at North Street in Watseka.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:22a.m. by Iroquois County Coroner Bill Cheatum. The victim's name is being held until family members have been notified.
The accident remains under investigation by the coroner's office, Watseka police and the Union Pacific Railroad.

I wonder what happened? (Not what's obvious, but events.) My heart goes out to the family who has to be notified. Another sad story, I really hope nothing was at fault. (system-wise).

Joshua

 

[Approach_Medium]

My heart goes out to the family who has to be notified.

And to the crew of the train. Not too many people think about them in accidents like this.

FW

 

[SantaFebuff]

Even those responding to the accident... I forgot the train crew, they are a big part. Living through hitting someone isn't easy at all!

Cheers,
Joshua

 

[SPNGTyler]

Iv heard of one to many a train crewman, quiting, or even comiting suicide becouse they hit someone.

They are sadly overlooked in incedents like this.

 

[SantaFebuff]

Remember this video?

**Viewer Discretion Advised***

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/7525164/19942060

(I couldn't find it on YouTube not flagged. I had it downloaded awhile ago to show friends who thought it was fun to make jokes about trains. So I uploaded it to Yahoo! Video. It shut them up.)

If you read the description... You'll find out the sad story of the train crew. When asked to reverse to the accident scene, the engineer broke down emotionally, was escorted from the scene, and resigned.

Joshua

 

[UP5521]

I feel sorry for all of those that were involved in this tragic incident,this is another example of why walking on RR tracks are very dangerous!

 

[SantaFebuff]

Well, it said he was crossing at North Street, so did he ignore the signals? Are there even signals?

Cheers,
Joshua

 

[PereMarquette1225fan]

I remember seeing that video. Man, if only they had stopped, she would be alive today. Gosh, the things people do to beat a train.

 

[SantaFebuff]

That video was not someone trying to beat the train. She was reportedly sobbing over a divorce she had just got from and was walking home with her lawyer... never made it.

I know what you mean, though.

Cheers,
Joshua

 

[Tomahawk368]

Sad, sad news. I heard about it over the CB while heading back from Skyland N.C. I'm 23, so I have to be supervised by a really cool 50-60 something yo vet. He's seen many of these tragic events unfold while in the cab. Most were suicide attempts, but he said "It just changes you. You ain't even gotta see it (the mess) and still you feel so terrible you wanna cry for days on end". I just hope and pray I don't ever have to live through that sort of thing ever!