Home Local News Victim’s name, CSX statement released in Rockingham train fatality

Victim’s name, CSX statement released in Rockingham train fatality

Photo: Harrison Davis

ROCKINGHAM — Few details have been released in a fatal incident on the railroad tracks Tuesday morning.

According to a report from the Rockingham Police Department, the victim who was hit and killed by a train was 29-year-old Billy Gene Ledwell III. 

His entire address was redacted from the report.

Ledwell was killed when he was struck by a CSX train around 10:19 a.m. on U.S. 220 behind Taco Factory, according to police.

The investigation is still active.

CSX issued a statement Wednesday, thanking police and emergency crews for “their swift response.”

“… (O)ur thoughts are with everyone impacted by this incident. Safety is CSX’s highest priority, and incidents like this underscore the need for people to stay away from railroad tracks.”

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Last year, 18 people were killed, and 13 others injured, while trespassing on North Carolina railroad tracks, the North Carolina Department of Transportation reported in April.

NCDOT also provided several safety tips:

  • Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and rights-of-way are private property;
  • Trains cannot stop quickly to avoid people or vehicles on the railroad tracks.
  • It is difficult to determine a train’s speed from a distance. Trains typically overhang the track by at least three feet.
  • Never assume railroad tracks are abandoned or inactive.
  • Due to new technology, approaching trains are much quieter than you’d expect, so don’t assume you’ll hear one coming.

 

 

 



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