Minnesota train-pedestrian fatalities at 10-year high
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
Minnesota transportation officials issued a safety alert on Thursday after two pedestrians were killed by trains this week.
The state has already recorded 11 train-pedestrian deaths this year, which is the highest number since 1999, the Minnesota Department of Transportation said in a news release.
A 51-year-old man was killed Monday in Winona after he fell while crossing railroad tracks and was hit by an oncoming train.
On Tuesday, a 24-year-old man was killed at a crossing west of Litchfield, and officials have said he might have been wearing headphones that prevented him from hearing the train's whistle.
MnDOT and Minnesota Operation Lifesaver, a train safety group, are reminding people that only 30 percent of public rail crossings in the state have active warning devices. Officials also said it's difficult to judge a train's speed or distance.
Walking or riding on tracks in areas that are away from designated crossings is considered trespassing in Minnesota.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
Dear reader,
Your voice matters. And we want to hear it.
Will you help shape the future of Minnesota Public Radio by taking our short Listener Survey?
It only takes a few minutes, and your input helps us serve you better—whether it’s news, culture, or the conversations that matter most to Minnesotans.