Pedestrian Dies From Injuries After Being Struck by Freight Train

The incident was reported by the railroad conductor at 8:34 PM.

Scene at the railroad tracks and McGhilcrist in Salem Photo by: Bonnie King

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem Police and railroad officials are still on the scene of a train versus pedestrian incident at McGhilcrist St. SE and Pringle. The 38-year old victim has not been identified, pending notification of his next of kin.

The incident was reported by the railroad conductor at 8:34 PM. It involved a Union Pacific freight train.

Salem Police Sgt Tony Moore says the conductor and crew noticed the man as they approached. "They could see the man walking along the tracks, they were making eye contact."

Moore says that indicated to the men aboard the train that the man walking toward them was going to get out of the way. That was not the case though. At the last minute, the man suddenly moved back toward the train.

"He either tried to cross the train at the last minute or committed suicide."

Union Pacific Railroad crews are on the scene. At this time the train is still stopped in the same location and Moore says McGhilcrist continues to me closed.

Moore says the 38-year old male victim was carrying a backpack and a bedroll, "By all indications he was a transient." He says more information and the man's identity will be release as soon as it is available.

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this story is very sad because this man that passed away happened to very close to me. and i know he has a family that will miss him and a daughter and sons that will miss him alot.

Luke, Salem unfortunately has a long history with pedestrian vs. train accidents and suicides. The biggest reason seems to be the fact that we have so much track going through town and people can access the tracks virtually anywhere even though it is illegal. The Salem Police get together each year with Operation Lifesaver which is a train/police operation to enforce crossing and trespassing laws. A multi-million dollar investment could sink the railroad through downtown Salem, maybe, I've heard it discussed. The worst thing is a couple of summers ago when we had four train deaths in three weeks. Very sad saga.

You got my contact but... whatever happened with this?

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