An Illinois bicyclist was struck and killed by a freight train last Wednesday at about 4:44 pm near Jefferson Street in downtown Effingham. Rural Med EMS transported the individual to HSHS St. Anthony Hospital emergency room, where he was pronounced deceased at 5:17 pm.
The Effingham police identified the bicyclist as Travis D. Ingram, 34, of Effingham, Illinois. The police reported that a Canadian National freight train was northbound when the bicyclist was heading west and attempting to cross the tracks, presumably on the sidewalk adjacent to the crossing.
The collision where this tragedy occurred is located within a quiet zone, meaning that train horns are not blown. Further, the adjacent crossing has lights and gates for vehicular traffic, but does not appear to have any pedestrian gates or pedestrian lights for bicyclists.
The Effingham City Police Department is still investigating this tragedy.