EAST LAMPETER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — An Amtrak maintenance worker was killed today (Monday, Feb. 23) when struck by a train near Lancaster, Pa.
The incident occurred about 11:30 a.m. in East Lampeter Township, just east of Lancaster. The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 39-year-old Jeremy Charles of Holtwood, Pa. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Amtrak extends our profound condolences to the family of an employee who suffered a fatal injury today on the Harrisburg Line near Lancaster, Pa.,” the company said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this difficult time.”
The company has suspended Keystone Service for the rest of the day while the incident is under investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board announced it is sending an investigation team to the scene.
The news site Lancaster Online reports the coroner’s office said Charles was working with a crew on the rail line when he was struck. A Facebook post from the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division says Charles was struck while clearing switches. While an investigation is ongoing, the union says he was using a jetpack to clear snow and likely did not hear the approaching train. Charles had been a member of BMWED United Passenger Rail Federation Local Lodge 3011 for four years.
— Updated Feb. 24 at 5:45 p.m. with additional information from BMWED. To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com.
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