A young man, a young woman and the woman’s 8-year-old son were hit by a train and killed on elevated tracks in Springfield, Virginia, on Wednesday night, friends of the victims told News4.
Fairfax County police say they are still notifying the victims’ families, so News4 will not immediately share their names. The man and woman were friends and were once classmates at Annandale High School, friends said.
They were hit by a Norfolk Southern freight train on Accotink Park Road in Lake Accotink Park around 8:30 p.m. A witness called 911.
“They informed him that he saw someone walking on the train tracks and they told him that someone was hit,” an emergency operator said.
Once rescuers arrived, their worst fears were confirmed: three bodies were found on the ground beneath the elevated tracks.
Three people struck and killed by a train in Springfield were remembered at a vigil Thursday night. Freixys Casado reports from Telemundo 44.
“We have reports of three subjects confirmed dead by the fire department, who were hit by the train,” the dispatcher said.
The woman who was murdered posted a photo on Instagram showing her son on top of the train trestle, looking down at the lake and dam below. Shortly after the photo was posted, the train arrived.
It is unknown why the victims were on the tracks.
A regular park visitor said trains typically sound their horns as they approach a nearby pedestrian overpass and train trestle.
One visitor said he had seen people on the tracks, even while they were running and exercising.
Norfolk Southern employees were at the scene Thursday, taking photos as the investigation continues.
Norfolk Southern said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of those involved in this tragic incident. “We are offering support to our train crew involved and are working with authorities in their ongoing investigation.”
‘Whenever you see tracks, you should always think of a train’
Rail safety advocates say it is never safe to walk on train tracks.
“Trains can come on any track at any time, from any direction,” said Jennifer DeAngelis of Operation Lifesaver. “Whenever you see pathways, you should always think about training and making safe decisions for yourself and the community.”
Today’s trains are not as noisy as those of yesteryear. Freight trains, in particular, do not necessarily have a regular schedule.
There is only enough space on train trestles and bridges for the train to pass. On this bridge, however, there are two tracks.
Friends of the victims said they plan to mourn the tragedy and honor those lost at a vigil in the park Thursday night.
Police initially said the victims were two children and an adult.
Stay with KeynoteUSA Washington for more details on this developing story.
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