(Camden, Del.)- The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a deadly crash involving a Norfolk Southern train that struck and killed a 37-year-old man late Sunday afternoon in Camden.
The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 5:10 p.m. today, Sunday, December 14, 2014, as a 37 year old male bicyclist was stopped at the railroad crossing signal on westbound Southern Boulevard in Camden waiting for a 128 car Norfolk Southern cargo train to pass. The train however stopped, blocking the roadway.
It was at this point that the bicyclist decided to crawl with his bike under the stopped train. As he did so, the train began to move in a southbound direction, dragging the male subject with it. The train then stopped again and reversed directions traveling northbound with the male still trapped underneath.
As this was occurring, witnesses to the incident called 9-1-1 who in turn contacted the Norfolk Southern Railroad and explained what was occurring. Norfolk Southern personnel then contacted the conductor of the train, Matthew Killinger, 21, of Elkton, MD, who then stopped the train.
The 37 year old male victim was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld pending the notification of his next of kin.
The investigation into this incident by the Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing at this time.
Southern Boulevard, W. Camden-Wyoming Avenue, and Front Street in Camden were all closed for approximately 3.5 hours as the incident was investigated and cleared.