Washington man killed by train after his wheelchair got stuck crossing the tracks

A 59-year-old man was struck and killed by a freight train in Washington state Wednesday after his electric wheelchair became stuck on the tracks.

A passerby who tried to help him was injured, authorities said.

The collision happened shortly after 2 p.m. at the North Meridian railroad crossing near 201 North Meridian Avenue in Puyallup, near the city’s train station, the Puyallup Police Department said. The man was stopped on the tracks when two people nearby tried to help free his wheelchair. However, they were unable to get him to safety before the train struck, police said.

The man in the wheelchair died at the scene, while one of the passersby was taken to a hospital, Central Pierce Fire & Rescue said.

“At this point in the investigation, it does not appear to be intentional but was a tragic accident,” Puyallup police Operations Captain Jeremy Hedrick told KOMO News.

A Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway freight train was involved in the collision, according to local reports.

The man’s identity has not been released, and it remains unclear what caused his wheelchair to become stuck on the tracks. The Independent has contacted the Puyallup Police Department and Central Pierce Fire & Rescue for comment.

The collision prompted road closures and traffic delays around the crossing as emergency crews responded.

The road and all railroad crossings were reopened shortly before 9 p.m.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist investigators to contact the Puyallup Police Department tip line at 253-770-3343 or email tips@puyallupwa.gov.