Pedestrians Versus Train: One Fatality, One Very Lucky
Jan 06, 2023 12:00AM ● By Story and photo by Seti Long
A Union Pacific train came to a stop in Gridley last Wednesday, December 28, after striking an individual. A tragic scene lurks behind the privacy wall of this apartment complex as first responders and authorities secure the perimeter of the accident. Photo by Seti Long
GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - On Wednesday, December 28th, an unfortunate accident involving a train and a pedestrian shut down all railroad crossings in the heart of Gridley.
Gridley Police Department and CALFIRE responded to the call reporting that a pedestrian had been struck by a Union Pacific train traveling northbound through the city. Later, Butte County Sheriff’s Department, Butte County Coroner and Union Pacific Police Department would become involved as authorities worked to secure the scene of the accident for the purposes of investigation and to retrieve the deceased.
According to a Union Pacific Press Release and Gridley Police Department, reports came in regarding the accident at about 1:30 pm near 1194 Kentucky Street. Union Pacific shared that none of its crew were injured during the incident.
Motorists encountered blocked roadways for hours as crossings at Spruce, Sycamore, Magnolia, and Laurel Streets were blocked by the resting locomotive. GPD put out notices instructing traffic to use the West Liberty and Township Road crossings south of town, while the City of Gridley made the Feather Flyer available to those in need of transportation across the tracks free of cost.
Gridley Public Works Department joined the effort to secure the perimeter, blocking off roadways close to the railway as many individuals, even teens, were observed walking along the tracks toward the scene of the accident. It was reported that a group of juveniles had been climbing over and under the stopped train, which was running during the investigation.
GPD admonished those that had been doing so, or that were otherwise near the train and scene of the accident, sending them on their way.
Days later, on Sunday, January 1st, a second pedestrian versus train incident was reported just north of Gridley near West Biggs Gridley Road and Farris Road. At around 3:30 pm, Gridley Media Group reported that GPD, Butte County Sheriff’s Office and CALFIRE were on scene, searching for the victim. Again, Union Pacific stopped its engine to cooperate with authorities. Luckily in this case, the individual survived and was discovered walking in the vicinity. The subject was transported to a local hospital for medical care.
At this time, the names of the individuals involved in these incidents have not been officially released by any law enforcement agency.
