12 April 2010

Fatal Accident on Train Tracks in Salmon Arm

An RCMP officer investigates the scene of a fatal train accident near the
Marine Park Drive Rail crossing.

Salmon Arm British Columbia - An elderly man was hit by a train and died Thursday afternoon on the CP Rail tracks near the old train station at the Marine Park crossing.
 
The victim has now been identified as Carl Shoemaker, 97.
 
Shoemaker was a long standing resident of Salmon Arm, with many community involvements during his life.
 
The accident took place at 1:50 p.m., 8 Apr 2010. Kevin Hrysak, CP Rail spokesperson, says a westbound fully loaded grain train struck the pedestrian at or near the crossing.
 
"Every attempt was made to avoid the person, emergency braking was immediately initiated, but unfortunately the train did strike this individual," he said. "Obviously our hearts go out to the family of this person."
 
Shoemaker's relatives noted he was hard of hearing and had limited eyesight.
 
RCMP report witnesses saw Shoemaker walking towards the tracks and that he appeared to be unaware of the train's movement along the rails. Shoemaker continued moving towards the tracks despite the train sounding its alarm and the rail warning gates being closed at the Marine Driver crossing, which was approximately 100 metres from the point of collision.
 
He was killed instantly.
 
The rail crew working on the train were witness to the incident and have been relieved of their duties and provided with critical stress counselling. A new crew was brought in to move the train once the scene was cleared.
 
Hrysak says the tragedy is a reminder for people to be cautious and observant of all warnings around rail crossings.
 
The BC Coroner's Service is continuing to investigate.
 
Tracy Hughes.