Man Killed by Train in Salem

(SALEM) - Salem police say a 36-year-old man was struck and killed by a Union Pacific freight train early Wednesday morning.

Sgt. Steve Birr says the incident occurred at about 4:00 AM near the intersection of Portland Road and Silverton Road.

Salem, Oregon has a long history of train versus pedestrian collisions and different educational campaigns are held each year to educate the public about train track safety.

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Comments

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JP August 16, 2006 7:09 pm (Pacific time)

When I was young, way back in the middle part of the last century, I spent a great deal of my youth playing on and around railroad tracks. It was a fascinating place. I was always sober and, even though young, smart enough to stay away from the tracks when a train was coming. I suspect children still like playing around tracks. So why is it that a huge majority of the people killed on tracks happen to be adults? I'm sure it's not coincidence. Maybe children are a lot smarter and more observant than we give them credit for.

steve lacey August 16, 2006 4:56 pm (Pacific time)

Maybe a bit cynical, but I find it easy to not get hit by the trains.

CA August 16, 2006 3:56 pm (Pacific time)

Educate the public? What about the drunk public? Is anybody educating them? Don't walk near train tracks when drunk.

Joe W. August 16, 2006 3:04 pm (Pacific time)

I have sympathy for the family. It isn't surprising that people die from trains. They have been taught for so long that others are responsible for their actions common sense has left them. Ubtil common sense becomes common again, these deaths will continue and most likely increase. Until then, the Darwin Awards need nominees.

Rayme Lacey August 16, 2006 11:09 am (Pacific time)

we have lived near the tracks for several years. while it is sad when someone is hit by a train is it surprising? the train only runs on the track.

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