ME Identifies Man In Wheelchair Struck, Killed By LRT
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A man in a motorized wheelchair that was struck and killed by a Blue Line Light Rail train Sunday has been identified.
Authorities said 61-year-old Daniel Wease, of Minneapolis, died of blunt force injuries he suffered after being struck by the LRT.
According to police, the incident happened around 6 p.m. near 32nd St. S. Wease, who was with another person, was using a crosswalk near 24th Avenue South and 32nd Street East. As he was crossing the tracks his wheelchair got stuck and he was hit.
Police are still investigating how the wheelchair was that close to the tracks, as well as how it got stuck.
Three other people have died in recent months in light rail accidents. Metro Transit spokesperson Howie Padilla said this has prompted the public transportation operator to look into strengthening safety precautions in the areas along Blue and Green Line routes.
Padilla said Metro Transit plans to review the light rail system and have some concrete ideas for any changes in the next few weeks.
The train operator is on paid administrative leave during the investigation.