The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

June 12, 2009

Man hit and killed by train, authorities say

A 34-year-old Alderson man died of injuries sustained when he was hit by a coal train early Friday morning. Authorities did not release his name.

Cpl. J. M. Bennett of the Alderson Police Department investigated the incident, which took place in town at the intersection of South Monroe Street and Railroad Avenue.

“I had just gotten off duty when the call came in from the 911 center,” Bennett said. “I arrived on scene about 10 minutes later and found EMS was already there. They pronounced the man dead at the scene.”

The CSX coal train that hit the man was bound from Hinton to Clifton Forge, Va., according to Bennett.

“I spoke with the conductor and the engineer,” the officer said. “They said as they approached the intersection they saw (the victim) standing next to the tracks. As the train got closer, he stepped onto the tracks, raised his arms and looked right at them.

“They went into emergency mode and put on the brakes, but the train was only about 15 feet from the man at that point and it hit him.”

Bennett concluded, “It was suicide by train.”

On the scene for three hours, Bennett was assisted in the investigation by Alderson Police Chief D.J. Hinkley, State Police Sgt. T.L. Bragg and Inspector Mark Dunbar of the state Alcohol Beverage Control Administration. Bennett said Dunbar was called in because he had earlier dealings with the victim.

The investigation continues, but Bennett said he does not anticipate any charges will be lodged against the operators of the train.

— Tina Alvey

Text Only
Local News
AP Video
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is... Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty' Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore. Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com