Train hits local pedestrian – and that happens more than you’d think
BURNETTOWN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - A pedestrian was injured by a train in an early morning accident in Burnettown – and it’s not clear right now just how that could have happened.
It happened just before 4 a.m. Wednesday in the area of Anthony Drive and not at a crossing, according to Norfolk Southern Railroad.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and emergency medical services responded to the scene, and the road was blocked off for at least part of the morning. However, responders had left the scene by 5:30.
Authorities haven’t explained how bad the injuries were, but the Aiken County Coroner’s Office says it was not called to the scene.
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No one on the train was hurt, according to the railroad.
Since it didn’t happen at a crossing, most railroads would consider this a case of trespassing.
Although it’s hard to imagine how someone could be unaware a train was approaching, a surprising number of people are hit by trains each year.
Topping the list is California, where 197 pedestrians were killed by trains in 2024 and 131 were injured, according to figures from the Federal Railroad Administration.
Georgia ranked No. 7, with 29 deaths and 16 injuries in 2024.
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Pedestrian-train accidents are much rarer in South Carolina, which ranks 26th in train-pedestrian incidents. In 2024, there were 11 pedestrian deaths and five pedestrian injuries by train in the Palmetto State.
At least some of the incidents happen when people are jogging along tracks while listening to loud music and don’t hear a train approaching from behind.
Operation Lifesaver, a national nonprofit that offers rail safety education, created a video focusing on this problem:
Other tips from Operation Lifesaver include:
- Always expect a train because they’re quieter and faster than you think.
- Don’t walk on or beside railroad tracks because it’s unsafe and illegal.
- Only cross tracks at designated public crossings.
- Use extra care and attention when crossing tracks on a bike, with a stroller, in a wheelchair or on other narrow wheels.
- Never pass flashing lights or bypass lowered gates.
- Don’t cross until you can see clearly in both directions.
- Stay off railroad bridges and trestles and out of railroad tunnels.
- Don’t try to hop aboard railroad equipment at any time.
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