A couple who were walking along a set of railroad tracks on their way to a dance were hit by a train in California. Mateus Moore died saving Mickayla Friend his girlfriend said authorities. Pedestrians being hit by trains have been on the rise across the U.S.
Moore and Friend were walking to the Sadie Hawkins Dance on Friday in Marysville, California.
Reports have suggested the two were walking in the direction that the train was traveling and did not notice it had been approaching them until the last second.
At that time, Mateus was able to push his girlfriend from the tracks, which saved her life, according to people who witnessed the tragedy while watching a Little League game close by.
Mickayla was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries but was expected to survive. Mateus however was killed at the scene.
Accidents with trains involving pedestrians have dramatically increased over the past year. The fatality rate has also been the highest in over the past 10 years.
A local newspaper has reported that accidents involving pedestrians and trains are a problem that does not have a solution that is easy.
Railroad tracks are listed as private property, which means the victims of the accidents are trespassing and at their own risk. However, operators of trains take little if any measures attempting to mitigate the many risks. Fences are not built to block access by trespassers in some areas that are high traffic, said the report.
A new phenomenon has taken hold as well known as distracted walking. Many pedestrians now lose track of the surroundings they are in as they are busy chatting or texting on their mobile devices.
Reports of distracted walkers being treated for injuries at emergency rooms of hospitals had quadrupled over the last seven years.
An investigation into the accident on Friday is being conducted by the Union Pacific, who is the owners of the tracks where the accident occurred. Thus far, there is no evidence the couple was wearing headphones or was intoxicated.
The railway company said there had been plenty of time for the two to escape unharmed after the train’s horn had blown, but they do not know why they did not.
Deborah Campbell
