A tragic incident occurred in coastal Alabama when a train engineer unknowingly struck and killed three homeless men on the tracks. The engineer, who was operating the train, reported that he was unaware of the men’s presence on the tracks and did not realize he had hit them.
The Alabama Port Authority reported that a second engineer, who had a different perspective of the tracks, discovered the bodies more than six hours later on Tuesday. He immediately contacted the Mobile police. Two of the victims were found in close proximity, while the third was discovered nearly a mile away.
The railway, which is a single-track line, runs through a densely populated area of Mobile and connects to port facilities. The victims were regulars in the area, often seen hanging around the tracks, according to local residents.
The identities of two of the victims, aged 46 and 63, have not been released to the public as authorities are still in the process of notifying their families. The third man’s identity remains unknown as authorities have yet to identify him.
The police have suggested that the men may have been asleep on the tracks at the time of the incident. They also confirmed that the train had sounded its horn before moving through the area. No criminal charges are expected to be filed in relation to the incident, as it appears to have been a tragic accident.
This incident underscores the dangers faced by homeless individuals who often seek shelter in unsafe areas. It also highlights the need for increased vigilance and safety measures on railways, particularly in densely populated areas.