Pedestrian wearing earbuds when fatally struck by LRT train
A 22-year-old pedestrian was wearing earbuds when he was fatally struck by an LRT train Friday, Edmonton police said.
The police major collision investigation section investigated the collision at 115A Street and 60 Avenue around noon Friday and determined the death to be “accidental,” police stated in an email just after 3 p.m. Friday.
“This is a very unfortunate accident and very tragic for his family,” Sgt. Rick Evans of the major collision investigation unit said in a followup news release.
“Investigations reveal that after stopping for the eastbound train to pass, he didn’t hear the westbound LRT when walking in the crossing and walked into its path.”
It was reported by witnesses that the man was crossing northbound in a marked LRT pedestrian crossing, police said.
City buses replaced LRT service between South Campus and Century Park stations as officers investigated.
Linda Cochrane, City of Edmonton manager, said the city is offering its condolences to the family of the man.
“We couldn’t be more deeply saddened about what has happened,” Cochrane said.
“It’s a very difficult situation for everyone at the start of a long weekend when family and friends come together in the spirit of Thanksgiving. It’s a very tragic situation. It’s also very difficult for our driver, our passengers and the entire city.”
Support services are being offered to the approximately 100 passengers on board as well as the LRT operator.
There is a pedestrian gate, flashing lights and bells and arms at the crossing and the city believes they were all in operation at the time, Cochrane said.
“We have horns and the driver has the ability to slow down,” Cochrane said.
Cochrane could not speak to the number of LRT fatalities, but called it a “rare occurrence.”