Northfield Train Crash: Male Pedestrian Injured Sunday

NORTHFIELD, MN — One man was injured Sunday after he was struck by a train in Northfield. On July 30 at about 12:05 a.m., Northfield Officers responded to a report of an injury accident on the railroad tracks near Fremouw Avenue and Dresden Avenue in Northfield.

At the scene, officers discovered a southbound train had struck a male pedestrian who was on the tracks south of Fremouw Avenue. It appears railroad staff sounded their crossing horn, saw the person on the tracks, and engaged brakes to stop the train, but the person was struck by the train, according to police.

The injured pedestrian was identified as Apolinar Hernandez, 62 years of age, from Northfield. Hernandez suffered serious injuries, was transported by Northfield Ambulance from the scene and airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center, according to a news release.

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The incident was investigated by Northfield Police, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, and Union Pacific Railroad personnel. This incident is an important reminder of the dangers associated with trains and rail lines.

See below for guidelines and statutes provided by the Northfield Police Department:

• Do not walk on or around railroad tracks. It is considered trespassing to
• be on railroad property, and it is not safe.
• Pay attention to Warning Signals including the Train Whistle and Crossing
• Arm, Bells, and Warning Lights.
• Do not drive or walk around lowered railroad crossing arms.
• Do not proceed on or over any railroad track when a train is within sight.

Image via Google Streetview