Man dies after electric wheelchair becomes trapped on Washington railway tracks
A 59-year-old man died after his electric wheelchair became stuck on railway tracks in Puyallup, Washington, and was struck by an approaching BNSF train. Police said the incident appeared to be a tragic accident, and the investigation is continuing.
Two witnesses tried to help the man, but could not get him clear of the tracks. Train crew members were unharmed. BNSF advises people to use designated crossings, stay at least 15 feet from tracks and never cross when signals are active or barriers are down; police have asked witnesses to share information.
In short
- A man died after his wheelchair became stuck on railway tracks.
- Two witnesses tried to help before the train arrived.
- Police are investigating and seeking information from witnesses.
Explained simply
Railway tracks are used by fast, heavy trains, which can take a long distance to stop. Designated crossings provide a marked route across the tracks, with signals and barriers to warn people when a train is approaching.
In Puyallup, Washington, trains on this line are operated by BNSF Railway. Police are investigating how the man’s wheelchair became trapped; witnesses who tried to help may be able to provide information about what happened.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Wheelchair user suffered horror death after getting stuck on railroad tracks as train approached”.