It's one of the most senseless types of accidents, but it's happening at an alarming rate in fresno county. Last year eight people were killed after being hit by a train in fresno county, and already this year, two more people have died trying to beat a train.
The sound of an oncoming train is familiar to those who live and work near the tracks. Many cross over before the train is within sight, but memorial crosses and flowers placed near the tracks in central fresno show far too many people have fallen victim to the passing trains.
"i couldn't believe it at first i was just in a state of disbelief and then i just sat down and started crying. It was horrible," said joe mauro kimball, a friend of victim keenan paul.
Paul was the the 19-year-old who lost his life last month. He was reportedly late for class at fresno city college and tried to beat a train near mckinley and blackstone.
According to the federal railroad administration, in 2013 eight people in fresno county died after being hit by a train. The other four victims were in a single car on jefferson and golden state. The driver didn't yield to the oncoming freight train. A total of 52 people were killed in fresno county over the last ten years.
Fresno county coroner, dr. David hadden sees the tragic aftermath of fatal accidents. He believes overall about half the fatalities are suicide. The others are accidents. To help determine the manner of death, the coroner watches camera video from the train which documents the incident.
"it's just heart wrenching because you see these people going in front of the train and you know that they're not going to make it. It's a very difficult thing to watch," said dr. Hadden.
According to california operation lifesaver, the weight ratio between a train and a car is 4,000 to one. That's the same difference between a car and a can of soda.
Those who've dealt with the grief of losing someone to a train hope others think twice before trying to cross.
