Person Hit, Killed By Train In Homestead
By: KDKA-TV's Shelley Bortz
HOMESTEAD, Pa. (KDKA) - A person is dead after being hit by a train in Homestead.
First responders were called to the scene at East 6th Avenue and Amity Street Monday afternoon. Police tape surrounded the area where authorities said the person was struck.
BREAKING—>Police confirm to KDKA News a person was hit by a train in Homestead. #KDKA pic.twitter.com/Cf7BGz1d22
— Shelley Bortz KDKA (@KdkaBortz) December 20, 2021
"I heard the horns rapidly honking, enough that it was unusual that I looked out the window and saw the train braking," said John English, who lives in the building next to the tracks.
He said it's not the first time Norfolk Southern has hit someone behind the apartments.
Police didn't release details but confirmed the Norfolk Southern train was carrying coal when it hit someone at the intersection near the Waterfront shopping center, police confirmed.
HAPPENING NOW—-> Emergency personnel on the scene. Working to talk with police about what happened here. #KDKA pic.twitter.com/HxJHlpERcf
— Shelley Bortz KDKA (@KdkaBortz) December 20, 2021
It's still unclear what happened, but English said the gap in the fence could have something to do with it.
"There's been a gap in the fence since I've lived here, which has been 10 years. And I've repeatedly called Norfolk Southern about it and they don't repair it. I have a corner apartment and I sit here and watch a dozen people a day cross the tracks. It's their shortcut to the Waterfront," he said.
Police said the investigation has been turned over to county homicide.
"No matter the circumstances, any loss of life is a tragedy – our thoughts are with this person's family during this difficult time. We would be remiss if we didn't say that train tracks can be dangerous and they are not a place to walk along. This is a very unfortunate reminder of that," Norfolk Southern said in a statement.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.