Chief: Man struck, killed by train in Plains Township was listening to music [View all]

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Always expect a train; any time, any track, any direction.

Chief: Man struck, killed by train in Plains Township was listening to music
August 6, 2020 Times Leader Local, News
By Patrick Kernan [e-mail]

PLAINS TWP. — A male was killed while walking on train tracks in Plains Township, Thursday afternoon, with Police Chief Dale Binker saying he was likely listening to music and did not hear the train coming.

“We believe it was an accident where a gentleman was walking on the railroad tracks, possibly listening to music, with earbuds in,” Binker said.

The incident took place on the railroad right-of-way off South Oak Street behind the Plains Polish American Veterans Club parking lot.

Family of an individual who believed the deceased to be a loved one gathered at the scene, but Binker said that they would also be unable to identify the remains, which were badly damaged.

Plains Township Police, the Luzerne County Coroner’s Office and officials from the Norfolk Southern Corp. are investigating.

“The train wasn’t speeding, we know all that; it was just a tragic accident,” Binker went on.

Binker also said that the train operator showed no sign of impairment at the time of the accident.

{snip}