Daniel Madsen, 12, was killed in a train accident the morning of October 5, 2010 in Fresno. According to a news report in The Fresno Bee, the fatal pedestrian accident occurred at Fruit Avenue near Ashlan Avenue in Central Fresno. The seventh grader was walking to school with his sister and some other friends. Daniel ran behind two other children who were running across the tracks. Officials say the crossing arms were lowered and that the train's conductor sounded the horn. No one else was hit, but Daniel was struck by the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe train and fatally injured.

I offer my deepest condolences to the parents, friends and family members of young Daniel Madsen for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Series of Fatal Train Accidents

Daniel is apparently the third child victim of train versus pedestrian accidents in Fresno in less than two years. In March 2009, 13-year-old Stacy Frierson was killed when he attempted to run in front of the train and was struck and killed at the same crossing. In March 2008, a similar accident killed Shawn Potter, a high school student.

The Danger of Train Crossings

Based on this news report, it appears that Daniel tried to beat the train at the crossing. The train apparently could not slow down or stop in time to avoid a fatal collision. This is a tragic reminder for all children (and adults) that trying to beat the train is never a good idea. In this case, the train was going at 45 mph.

However, given the number of incidents that have taken place in the city, it is about time that the city and the railroad come up with solutions for railroad crossing safety, especially where it involves children. A number of train accidents across the country occur because of malfunctioning crossing arms or lights or because certain crossings do not have crossing arms. At crossings used by children, it might be a good idea to add bells and other warning sounds so children will be adequately cautioned.

If a train accident is caused by a dangerous or defective condition at the tracks, or driver error, the railroad or transit authority can be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries or damages. An experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims or their families about their legal rights and options.

Lost a family member in a Fresno County pedestrian accident? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Fresno train accident. Call 1-800-554-9082.The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Fresno wrongful death lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

Are there any dangerous train crossings in your city?

The law firm that sponsors this blog has agreed to provide a free, confidential consultation to any of our readers who were injured in this or a similar accident. The offer applies to the family of the accident victims as well.

At the time this article was posted, none of the parties mentioned in this article were represented by any of our sponsoring law firms. The source of our information is cited in the article. No independent investigation was conducted unless specifically mentioned in the article. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein; get a comprehensive consultation with a reputable law firm.

Bookmark and Share