(MURFREESBORO) After two train vs pedestrian incidences within a 3-day period, Murfreesboro Police are warning the public not to walk on railroad tracks. Not only is this trespassing on railroad property, it could have serious federal consequences associated with it.
Second CSX Train Vs Pedestrian Issue 3-Days Later
The second CSX trespassing case took place around 4:30PM Thursday afternoon (10/13/2022) on the railroad bridge that's beside the Searcy Street greenway.
Two 18-year-old females were walking across the railroad bridge when a train approached. Reports indicate that the women attempted to run and get off the tracks. One fell approximately 35-feet to the ground below the bridge. The other was able to get off the tracks in time. The dog still has not been located.
Murfreesboro Fire-Rescue Captain Chief Matt Young said that Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department and Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services treated the woman on scene. She was awake and alert, but sustained multiple severe injuries. She was taken to Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital and then flown by a LifeFlight helicopter to Vanderbilt Medical Center to be evaluated and treated for her injuries.
Federal Regulations Broken
U.S. Department of Transportation regulations shows that it is illegal to access private railroad property anywhere other than a designated pedestrian or roadway crossing. Trespassers are most often pedestrians who walk across or along railroad tracks as a shortcut to another destination.
Trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America. Nationally, more than 400 trespass fatalities and nearly as many injuries occur each year, the vast majority of which are preventable.
First CSX Trespassing Tuesday Morning
Three days earlier on the tracks behind Beaman Dodge on South Church Street, a 24-year-old man reportedly was also walking along the tracks. That happened Tuesday (10/11/2022) morning.
Murfreesboro Police PIO Larry Flowers said, "The double locomotive had started to slow down and was believed to be traveling around 40 to 50 mph when it struck the man’s left shoulder area, knocking him over."
Fortunately, the locomotive brushed him and knocked him to the side. He was able to use his own cellphone and call 911 for help.
CSX is investigating both Murfreesboro incidences.
