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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