Train accident in Westfield
WESTFIELD, N.Y. (AP) - Authorities say a cargo train chugging over a trestle in an upstate New York village struck three men walking on the tracks, killing two and seriously injuring the third.
25 year old Brian W. Reed of Westfield and 20 year old Justin Halpainy-Livermore of Jamestown were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The third person struck was Benjamin L. Reed, 26, of Westfield. Reed was flown to Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania with broken bones and head injuries. He's expected to survive.
Authorities believe that Brian and Benjamin are related.
Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace tells us the accident happened just after 6:30 p.m. Friday night.
Witnesses say the train was travelling westbound on the bridge span between North Portage Street and North Gale Street.
Police believe the three men were using the tracks as a shortcut.
Westfield Village Police Sgt. Brent Burgess says witnesses saw the men try to outrun the westbound train, but didn't make it to the other side of the trestle. They couldn't jump into the Chautauqua Creek below either. Burgess says it's a "very, very long way down."
Officials say the train was operated by Norfolk-Southern.