Teen survives being hit by train

Alec J. Comfort, 16, treated for leg and foot injuries

VERONA, N.Y. >> A teenager is receiving medical treatment after being struck by a CSX train, according to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.

Alec J. Comfort, 16, of Verona, called 911 close to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, informing the emergency center he had been hit by a train.

Deputies and fire personnel responded to the CSX right of way directly underneath the Route 31 overpass, where they found Comfort on the south side of the tracks.

Comfort was treated at the scene by members of the Verona Fire Department and transported by Vineall Ambulance to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital with serious leg and foot injuries, before being transferred to a Syracuse hospital for further treatment.

Amtrak officials reported the train’s emergency braking system was engaged at the time of the incident and none of the approximately 85 passengers were injured. The section of tracks was closed to traffic for about one hour while officials investigated.

CSX Police, Amtrak Police and New York State Police assisted at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation.