Bicyclist Struck By Train (Photo) -07/08/20

Update: Video with audio of rescuers available on request

 

Date: 7/7/2020

 

Bicyclist struck by Train

Kelso - Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to a reported pedestrian struck by a southbound BNSF train between Allen Street and Cowlitz Way at 10:55 pm. Kelso Police responded and located a bicycle that lead them to find a male victim pinned under the train, still conscious but critically injured.

With assistance from BNSF, approximately 80 feet of train was uncoupled and a coordinated slow move was completed over the top of the victim, while Cowlitz 2 firefighters worked to stabilize the patient. The patient was extricated at 11:27 PM  and immediately rushed to a Cowlitz 2 ambulance where he was transported emergently to St. John Medical Center as a Trauma Team Activation

Cowlitz 2 responded with 7 personnel that included 1- Fire Engine, 1- ALS ambulance and a Battalion Chief from the Kelso Station. Kelso Police as well as BNSF also responded to the incident. Initial units arrived on scene within 3 minutes and the patient was located within 6 minutes of the initial 911 call placed by train operators.  

Scene command was terminated at 11:44 PM

Kelso Police and BNSF will be investigating

While pedestrian/ train accidents are rare they are almost always preventable. No one should ever travel on a railway or cross railways other than at approved crossings. There is a crossing in the area of the incident but none where the victim was struck.

 

LT. Dan W. Cothren, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue