Alburtis, Pennsylvania – Angel Luis Rivera, a 26-year-old resident of Alburtis, was tragically killed on Sunday morning after being struck by a train near the intersection of North Main Street and West Penn Avenue. The incident occurred around 9:50 a.m. when Rivera was walking southbound at the Main Street railroad crossing.
According to the Lehigh County Coroner, Daniel A. Buglio, who confirmed Rivera’s identity, he sustained multiple blunt-force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The manner of death has been ruled accidental.
The accident happened as Rivera reportedly waited for an eastbound train to pass after the crossing arm had lowered. However, after the train cleared, Rivera attempted to go around the crossing arm, unaware that a second train was approaching from the opposite direction. He was struck by the westbound Norfolk Southern train, and emergency responders who arrived on the scene pronounced him dead at approximately 10:30 a.m.
This tragic event has left the Alburtis community in shock. Residents and neighbors have expressed their deep condolences to Rivera’s family, mourning the loss of a young life that was well-known in the area. Concerns about pedestrian safety at railway crossings have been heightened following this incident.
Authorities, including the Alburtis Borough Police, Lehigh County Coroner’s Office, and Norfolk Southern police, are conducting a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding Rivera’s death. They are reviewing witness statements and any available surveillance footage to gain further insight into the events leading up to the accident.
In a statement, Norfolk Southern expressed sympathy for Rivera’s family and friends, emphasizing the importance of safety around railroad tracks. The company urged pedestrians and drivers to strictly obey crossing signals and barriers, noting that trains can approach unexpectedly from either direction.
As the investigation continues, the Alburtis Borough Council is expected to address this tragic incident in an upcoming meeting, considering potential measures to improve safety at local railroad crossings to prevent similar tragedies in the future.