Pedestrian struck while walking along train tracks

A pedestrian walking along the railroad tracks in Prairie du Chien was struck by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train Wednesday evening, Sept. 4, according to the Prairie du Chien Police Department.

At about 5:50 p.m., the police department was notified of the accident, which happened near the Parrish Street railroad crossing.

The victim, a 23-year-old Prairie du Chien resident, told officers he was walking along the tracks with headphones in and did not hear the train approaching him. As the train passed, the pedestrian’s right arm was struck, causing damage to his arm.

According to the train’s conductors, they were northbound on the BNSF track and observed the pedestrian. They activated their horn and their emergency braking but were not able to stop prior to striking him.

The victim was transported to Crossing Rivers Health by Tri-State EMS. Additional details were relayed to the BNSF Police. This incident remains under investigation.

The Parrish Street and Mooney Street crossings were blocked for approximately one hour due to the accident.

Chief Kyle Teynor reminds citizens that walking on the tracks is trespassing and violators are subject to a forfeiture. People should comply with all warning lights and arms, he said, and crossing the railroad tracks is only allowed at designated crossings.