Sadly on Thursday another life was lost due to a fatal train accident. This time, a man tried to outrun a train, and unfortunately lost. The victim was 38-year-old, Jonathan Schrage, and was killed when a train struck his truck near Route 143 in Madison, Illinois. Although the warning lights were flashing, and the gates were down, Schrage ignored them and went through the crossing. As a result, a southbound train struck him.
Just a few weeks prior, another accident involving a train killed 80-year-old Henry Bloodworth when his vehicle collided with an Amtrak train. According to witnesses, Bloodworth intentionally drove his vehicle around the crossing gates when he was struck.
Likewise, in Sparta another train accident happened on Thursday as well at Chester and First Street. A 22-year-old mom drove across tracks as a train was heading towards herself and her daughter. There are no warning gates at that particular crossing, yet it does have flashing lights if a train is approaching. Although both victims suffered severe injuries, they will survive.
It seems that the main reason many of these accidents are occurring if because the drivers are too impatient at the crossing. Likewise, police point out that almost every time a vehicle is involved in a train accident, the outcome is fatal or results in serious injuries for the driver and occupants. Moreover, police urge drivers to not chance beating a train, as it typically doesn't end well. If you would like to learn more, please click here.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a train, the skilled St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth would like to hear from you. Please contact us today for a free consultation.