x
Breaking News
More () »

Young Man Dies After Being Hit By Train

One man is dead after being hit by a train in Sallisaw, Okla., Saturday night (Oct. 12), authorities said. Police said Michael Crabtree, 20, attempted to cross ...

One man is dead after being hit by a train in Sallisaw, Okla., Saturday night (Oct. 12), authorities said.

Police said Michael Crabtree, 20, attempted to cross the railroad tracks near the Sallisaw carnival. That's when he was struck head on by a Union Pacific train, according to Sallisaw Police Captain Bo Gabbert.

The accident happened near the intersection of Cherokee and Wheeler street, according to police.

Eyewitnesses at a nearby carnival said they were shocked at what they saw.

"The train was coming and the rails were going down and then some guy comes walking this way right by the barricade over there and the train sound his horn and he just leapt in front of it," said eyewitness Tawuan Smith. "I guess he thought he could make it you know."

"It was Michael," said Timothy Ward, who also witnessed the accident and was Crabtree's friend. "When he tried to run across that's when he got hit. and it killed him right there on the scene."

Gabbert said both Sallisaw Police and authorities with Union Pacific Railroad were investigating to determine what happened moments before they say Crabtree darted in front of the train.

"At this point, it just looks like a tragic accident," Gabbert said.

Authorities say the driver of the train has not been issued a ticket and is not expected to be cited in this accident.

Before You Leave, Check This Out