Snowmobiler dies after hitting railroad switch box

[OwlCaboose2853]

Snowmobiler dies after hitting railroad switch box

The Associated Press

ERIE, Pa. - A snowmobile crashed into a railroad switch box while riding on an illegal route, killing the rider, authorities said.

Richard J. Michaels III was wearing a helmet, but suffered blunt-force trauma to the body during the crash on CSX Railroad tracks in Millcreek Township, Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook said.

Vehicles are not permitted on the railroad property, but police said many snowmobilers go there anyway.

"It's a pretty efficient east-west crossing. A lot of snowmobiles use it," said Chris Hauber, a Millcreek patrolman.

Michaels III, 24, of Millcreek, was pronounced dead at a hospital around 12:40 a.m. Thursday, about an hour after the accident.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/ ... 93289.html

[trainjunkie47]

His family will probably sue CSX stating there should have been a warning device on the switchbox. Maybe they will sue the switchbox manufacturer as well, claiming the switchbox should have been designed to give way under the impact from a snowmobile.

[OwlCaboose2853]

You will check out of them; Model State Legislation for Railroad Trespass & Railroad Vandalism
http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/297

[esprrfan]

Lets not forget to ad GOD to the defendants list after all he baited this guy by putting the snow there

[J T]

Lets not forget to ad GOD to the defendants list after all he baited this guy by putting the snow there

No, that would be Mother Nature's doing.