A witness indicated that the person was hit while attempting to save a dog, which was on the tracks
On Tuesday (Aug. 29) at 1:12 p.m., Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to reports of an Amtrak train striking a pedestrian at 4399 Dike Rd.; commonly known as the Ghost Bridge, that crosses the Lewis River between Cowlitz and Clark counties.
Deputies responded and determined the pedestrian was struck by a south bound Amtrak train while walking southbound on the bridge. A witness indicated that the person was hit while attempting to save a dog, which was on the tracks. Both the individual and the dog were declared deceased at the scene.
The identity of the pedestrian is pending identification from the Cowlitz County Coroner.
Deputies were assisted by BNSF Railroad Police, Woodland Police, Ridgefield Police, Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue, and the Cowlitz County Humane Society.
The BNSF property is posted as No Trespassing and the Sheriff’s Office wants the public to recognize the dangers posed by unauthorized use of railroad tracks. This location has been the site of numerous fatalities of pedestrians who were on or adjacent to the tracks.
Information provided by Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.
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