Tuesday, April 7, 2015

ANOTHER RAIL WORKER DIES ON THE JOB: RAIL EMPLOYEE CRUSHED BY RAIL CAR IN PINE BLUFF, ARKANSAS





APRIL 6, 2015

PINE BLUFF, ARKANSAS (KATV)

Investigators were dispatched to a section of railroad track in Jefferson County Friday night in reference to an accident involving a railroad worker and a train.

The incident happened just before 10:00 p.m. Friday near 5201 Fairfield Road by Evergreen Packaging.

Witnesses say the victim, 35-year-old Kye Garrett Stewart, a Railroad Switching Service employee, was coupling several train cars when the train operator radioed to him but failed to receive a response.

The operator exited the thirty-five train and walked towards the rear, where he discovered Stewart underneath the wheels of the ninth car. Stewart was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

The cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force trauma.  Jefferson County Coroner Chad Kelley said the body would be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office on Sunday for an autopsy.

Upon arrival, deputies spoke with witnesses from Evergreen Packaging.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was notified of the accident.

The matter is under investigation.