(South Salt Lake, Utah – January 12, 2012)
The safety record of Salt Lake City’s “TRAX” light rail commuter passenger train system continues to be questionable, as an as-yet unidentified 40-year-old Salt Lake City, UT resident was struck, dragged and critically injured by the very train upon which he had just arrived at the South Salt Lake, UT Central Pointe station Thursday afternoon about 4:45 P.M.
The victim was walking on the passenger platform near the train as it departed, taking him with it until he struck the glass-enclosed wheelchair access platform, leaving a blood trail along the path of the tragic accident. Meanwhile, apparently unaware of the accident, the train’s operator continued southbound on his route along the TRAX Red Line, only to be told of the accident at a subsequent station stop.
The accident could have been far worse if it were not for the quick actions of TRAX passenger Cameron Whitlock, who sprang to the victim’s aid as he heard the collision and the sound of the man’s body being dragged along the platform. The victim was knocked unconscious by the accident, and was pulled free from the train by Whitlock, who said he “acted on instinct.”
The victim was transported to a local hospital with injuries to his head, legs and torso. Utah Transit Authority officials said the train involved was one of their newer models which are equipped with surveillance equipment.
