Man hit by train in Steilacoom is rescued by boat and helicopter crews
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A pedestrian was hit by a freight train Tuesday afternoon in Steilacoom.
There were no on ground witnesses to the accident, according to Jenny Weekes, spokeswoman for West Pierce Fire & Rescue.
The train hit the man in the vicinity of Chapman Loop, in the extreme southwest corner of town. However, steep terrain prevented rescue crews from reaching the site, Weekes said.
West Pierce’s fire boat was dispatched to the scene and crews rescued the 23-year-old male victim. He was then transferred to shore at Saltar’s Point.
A helicopter, which landed at Saltar’s Point Elementary School, began flying the victim to Harborview Medical Center but his condition deteriorated and he was taken instead to Madigan Army Medical Center.
The call to West Pierce came just before 4 p.m., Weekes said.
As of 5 p.m., the northbound BNSF freight train was still stopped at the scene. A southbound Amtrak Cascades passenger train was also stopped.
This story was originally published July 14, 2020 at 5:36 PM.
