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Rochester girl struck by train was using headphones

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New Hampshire Northcoast Railroad runs at least two trains like the one pictured through Rochester every weekday. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester teen injured Monday afternoon when she was struck by a freight train was wearing headphones, Rochester Police said on Tuesday.

The high school aged female was treated at the scene before being transported to Frisbie Memorial Hospital with what were described as nonlife-threatening injuries. She was one of the lucky ones.

Some 500 people nationwide die every year when struck by trains while trespassing on railroad property, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.

Police got the call on Monday around 4:15 p.m. and responded to the area of Columbus Avenue between Summer and Portland streets where the girl was struck.

When emergency personnel arrived the train was stopped on the tracks and a female was found sitting in a grassy area at the side of the tracks.

Initial investigation indicated the NH Northcoast freight train was traveling south at less than 20 mph when it struck the girl who was crossing the tracks in a nondesignated crossing area.

The Rochester Police Department took the opportunity to remind everyone that all train tracks are private property and to never walk on tracks as it is illegal and highly dangerous.

Pedestrians should only cross train tracks at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and obey all warning signs and signals posted there, police said in a statement.

Other key safety tips from the FRA include.

  • Always expect a train! This is especially critical where there are multiple tracks and the sound of one train can mask the sound of a second train on the other set of tracks.
  • Don't try to beat a train at a crossing. It's almost impossible to accurately judge the distance and speed of an oncoming train.
  • Don't stand close to the tracks. A train is at least 3 feet wider than the tracks on each side. In addition, a fast moving train may kick up or drop debris.
  • Don't ever walk along tracks on bridges or in tunnels. You may not hear an approaching train and since clearances in bridges and tunnels can be tight, you may not be able to escape an approaching train.
  • Don't attempt to jump or climb on, over, under, or in between rail equipment. Even an idle freight car can be dangerous.
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