Person dead after being struck by train in East Rochester

EAST ROCHESTER, N.Y. — One person has died after authorities said they were struck by a train Saturday.

Rail service came to a standstill near Rochester after a person was struck on the tracks early Saturday afternoon.

“We were called here at 2:45 p.m.,” said Chief Jim Diego of the East Rochester Fire Department. “Some pinpointed the exact location … and then when we realized it was East Rochester, our units responded here in East Rochester.”

Amtrak said the train carrying 135 people was en route from New York City to Toronto, Canada, when a person trespassing on the tracks “came into contact with the train.” No injuries were reported to those on board the train.

“On October 5, 2024, Amtrak Train 63 was traveling from New York City to Toronto, Canada, at approximately 2:30 p.m. (ET) when a person trespassing on the track came into contact with the train in East Rochester, NY No injuries were reported to the approximately 135 passengers or crew on board. Amtrak is working with local law enforcement to investigate the incident.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), trespassing on railroad tracks is the leading cause of railroad-related death in America, and grade crossing incidents are the second leading cause of railroad-related death in America. These incidents can affect everyone involved – those who are injured or die and their families, our train crew and our passengers. They also provide a critical reminder of the importance of obeying the law and exercising extreme caution on railway tracks and level crossings. Amtrak continues to work closely with Operation Lifesaver (OLI) to support #STOPTrackTragedies by highlighting the obvious dangers of remaining on railroad property or ignoring warnings at railroad crossings. For more information about rail safety, visit StayOffTheTracks.org.

“Stay off the tracks,” Diego added. “They are for trains, not pedestrians. Unfortunately, that’s what happens when you’re on the tracks. It’s signposted – not for pedestrian traffic.”

East Rochester police have not yet identified the person who died.