Man dies after collision with train in Alburtis

An Alburtis man died Sunday after being hit by a train in the county.

Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio said the 26-year-old man was pronounced dead around 10:30 a.m.

Buglio said the investigation is ongoing and he does not expect to release the man's name or cause of death until Monday.

Alburtis Police Chief Tony Alsleben said the man was struck by a westbound Norfolk Southern train around 9:50 a.m., shortly after an eastbound train passed the tracks on North Main Street between Front Street and West Penn Avenue.

Alsleben said the man was traveling southbound at the Main Street railroad crossing. A witness told police he saw the railroad crossing down with lights flashing, but the man walked around the crossing after seeing the eastbound train was clear. The witness told police the man did not see the westbound train coming, Alsleben said.

“I don't know why he [the tracks],” said Alsleben. “We may never know why he crossed the street. But you are not allowed to cross these crossings until the traffic lights are off.”

Alsleben said the train stopped a short distance from the accident scene, and a Norfolk Southern spokesman said none of the train crew on board were injured.

In addition to the police and the coroner, Norfolk Southern police are also investigating the case, Alsleben said.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

Originally published: August 25, 2024 at 1:49 p.m.