Train kills Worker in Seneca

A 28-year-old Anderson County man died Friday afternoon after being struck by a westbound Norfolk Southern train, reports Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis. The train, consisting of two locomotives only, was traveling from Greenville to Toccoa. The name of the victim will be released on Saturday after family members are notified. This incident was reported to Oconee E-911 Communication at approximately 2:20pm. The victim was located by members of the Corinth–Shiloh Fire Department. Addis says that the incident occurred at a private crossing leading to an apartment complex construction site across from the Hartwell Village shopping center. The victim was working for a temporary agency out of Greenville; it was his first day at this job site. He was hired to be a crossing attendant where this private roadway crossed the railroad to the construction site. It was his responsibility to be a lookout for oncoming trains and alert vehicles crossing the railroad when it was safe to cross. The initial investigation based on reports from the crew of the train, the victim was sitting at the crossing grade on the pavement with his back to the oncoming train. The crew reported he appeared to be looking down when he was struck. The victim was thrown approximately 45 feet after impact; he died at the scene from blunt force trauma. His cellular telephone was lying nearby along with ear buds. Addis says that an autopsy will be ordered and performed on Sunday to assist with this work related death. This incident is being investigated by the Norfolk Southern Police, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and Oconee County Coroner’s Office.