Cyclist survives after being struck by train in Chatham

A about 4:40 p.m. yesterday, emergency crews attended to West Street in Chatham in response to a cyclist struck by a train.

The train was travelling eastbound at about 50 km/h as it passed Lacroix Street and approached West Street. It has been reported that the crossing gates were down, the red lights were flashing, and the crossing bell was ringing. A woman was riding her bicycle on the sidewalk along West Street and passed the crossing gates ignoring all the warnings. She attempted to cross the tracks but apparently changed her mind and stopped her bike on the tracks. She attempted to turn her bike around and the rear of the bike was struck by the train causing her to be thrown forward away from the train.

The train engineer conducted an emergency stop and the police were contacted. The length of the train blocked 7 road crossings resulting in traffic delays.

The woman was transported to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance with minor injuries.

The train was examined by CP Rail personnel and deemed fit to continue. Shortly after 6:00 p.m. it continued on its way.

CP Rail police attended and the investigation was turned over to them.