Authorities are investigating the tragic death of a rail conductor who was fatally struck by a train in Columbus, Montana. The incident occurred on Sunday at approximately 9:40 a.m. The conductor, employed by BNSF Railway, was reportedly positioned between two trains at the time of the accident.
Details of the Incident
The accident took place in Columbus, a town of about 2,000 residents located 40 miles southwest of Billings. According to Nick Jacobs, assistant chief of Columbus Fire Rescue, one train was stationary on one track while another was in motion on an adjacent track. It is unclear how the moving train struck the conductor.
Investigation and Response
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) dispatched officials to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation. A spokesperson from BNSF Railway confirmed that all inquiries are being directed to the NTSB.
Safety Concerns
In a separate report released last year, the FRA noted that while BNSF was making progress in improving safety protocols, concerns remained regarding the willingness of front-line workers to report safety issues. Many employees reportedly feared disciplinary actions that could arise from voicing their concerns.
- Location of Incident: Columbus, Montana
- Time: 9:40 a.m. on a Sunday
- Population of Columbus: Approximately 2,000 residents
- Distance from Billings: 40 miles (64 kilometers)
The investigation will look into the circumstances surrounding this accident, as well as the overall safety culture within BNSF Railway.
