Boston Injury Lawyer Blog
A pedestrian was struck and killed by an Amtrak train in Mansfield, Massachusetts early this morning, Thursday August 13th. In one news report, it was said that personnel from the MBTA Transit Police had reported a man trespassing in the area around Track 2 shortly before they received reports of an individual being struck and killed by a train. The identity of the individual that was unfortunately killed has not been disclosed at this time, as family notification is still pending. Responding officers have indicated that the victim is a man, which attests to earlier reports of a man seen trespassing along the tracks.
According to preliminary reports being released, MBTA police contacted the Mansfield Public Safety Dispatch at approximately 10:50 AM to report that a pedestrian had been struck by a train. The Amtrak train was traveling south at the time, and the accident occurred just south of the MBTA train station that is located near George Street in Mansfield on Route 128. After striking the victim, the train stopped on the tracks while they waited for emergency officials to respond to the scene.
According to a spokeswoman for Amtrak, Vernae Graham, the train was traveling a route from Boston to Washington D.C. at the time of the accident. She also stated that there were roughly 189 passengers on the Amtrak train at the time and that no injuries were reported for any of the passengers following the crash.
Shortly after receiving notification of the accident, Mansfield police officers and firefighters arrived on scene to conduct an investigation. Upon arrival they confirmed that the individual had suffered fatal wounds and began an immediate examination of the surrounding area from the train outward. They secured the crime scene at this time in an effort to preserve evidence.
The lead investigation for this matter consists of detectives both from the Mansfield police department as well as detectives representing Amtrak itself. In addition to these detectives, representatives from the Transit Police and members of the District Attorney’s Office for Bristol County are aiding in the investigation. The law enforcement officials have stated that thus far they do not suspect foul play is involved in this case, although they are unsure as to why exactly the man had been on the tracks at that time.
The MBTA had also announced around that time that all trains on the Providence/Stoughton commuter rail line that travel the route the pedestrian was struck on were being held until further notice. Follow up reports have indicated that the train line began operating again at approximately 12:41 PM—just two hours after the fatal accident took place. According to the statement released by Amtrak spokeswoman Vernae Graham, about five Amtrak trains and two MBTA trains experienced delays following the incident.
Investigations into the matter are still ongoing, and more information is expected to be released in the hours and days to follow once it become availables to news agencies through investigating officers. If you have been involved in an Amtrak, MBTA, or Bus accident give one of our Boston injury lawyers for a free case consultation. Our accident attorneys are available around the clock.
Additional information may be found at the following links: http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/herald_bulldog/2015/08/one_struck_and_killed_by_amtrak_train
http://mansfield.wickedlocal.com/article/20150813/NEWS/150818186
http://www.whdh.com/story/29780219/pedestrian-struck-by-amtrak-train-in-mansfield
http://www.wcvb.com/news/pedestrian-struck-by-amtrak-train-in-mansfield/34694802
