Police Investigate Pedestrian Killed In Rhinebeck Amtrak Accident

Over the weekend, law enforcement officials were called to investigate a scene South of Rhinebeck. In this case, unfortunately, investigating the scene amounted to just gathering information and piecing the story together as the damage had already been done.

Amtrak Accident

This past Saturday, law enforcement was called to the scene of a fatal accident that involved an Amtrak train and a pedestrian on the tracks. The Amtrak train was in the middle of its trip from Albany and was making its way towards New York City. Amtrak officials complied, worked with and assisted law enforcement in the investigation and in determining the reason for the accident occurring in the first place.

It was determined over the course of the investigation that the individual involved in the accident with the Amtrak had been "trespassing on the track" at the time the accident occurred.

Leading Cause of Rail-Related Deaths

According to the Federal Railroad Administration...

trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America...

In addition, the Federal Railroad Administration also states that "railroad crossing incidents are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths in the country". Though little has been released to this point regarding the incident, the use of the word "trespassing" in reference to the individual who was struck is rather telling. That being said I can't help but feel it would be entirely improper to draw complete conclusions. However, from the report, it's unclear if any more information will be released on this event.

Gratefulness and Grief

While nothing can be done about the "how" or maybe more importantly the "why" for this incident occurring, it should be noted that none of the 237 passengers or crew members were harmed on board the Amtrak. Lastly, would just like to send condolences out to the family of the individual lost.