Danger Train hits, drags cyclist
Unbeknownst to one Houstonian, it's unwise to ride a bike near the Danger Train while listening to an Ipod (via KHOU-11):
The victim for a time was stuck under the train in the 6400 block of Fannin in front of Memorial Hermann Hospital. The victim is a female bicyclist whose leg was caught under the train, emergency officials told 11 News.
Houston fire emergency crews had to pull the woman from under the train and treated her for unknown injuries. An emergency official said was dragged about 50 feet after being struck by the train.
Investigators on scene said it appeared that the woman was unaware the train was approaching because she was wearing headphones and couldn't hear the train's warning horn.
The woman, who is in her late 20s, was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital where she was in serious, but stable condition.
Operation of the light rail was suspended, but service resumed about 5:15 p.m.
Bicyclists should note that the train will not impede their Saturday morning ride between the Fannin South and Wheeler stations as Metro's transit backbone will be shut down for repairs. However, buses will (as always) pick up the train's slack, so a watchful eye (and ear!) is still warranted.
KEVIN WHITED ADDS: Do cities with rail lines that are segregated from vehicular and pedestrian traffic have nearly so many instances of their trains striking cars, wheelchairs, pedestrians, and bicyclists?
RELATED: KTRK-13
UPDATE (02-12-2008): KPRC-2 reports that METRO video clearly shows that the Danger Train driver ignored a stop signal before hitting the bicyclist (a 29-year-old physician). Details here.
Posted by Anne Linehan @ 02/08/08 07:45 PM | Print |
Previous Entry | Home | Next Entry
ADVERTISING
DISCLAIMER
All content © 2004-09, blogHOUSTON and the respective authors.
blogHOUSTON.net is powered by Nucleus.
Site design and Nucleus customization are by Kevin Whited.