LYNCHBURG, Va. – An investigation is underway after a Liberty University student was killed and a woman was injured after they were struck by a train Saturday afternoon in Lynchburg.
WDBJ reportsthat witnesses said a group of people was hanging out on the tracks when the train approached around 4:15 p.m.
Jonathan Gregoire, of Wilbraham, Massachusetts died at the scene.
Victoria Bridges, of Newport News was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Julie Burgess, who has lived in the area for years, told WSET that this type of accident happens all too often.
“It’s kind of becoming a problem with you know the children and the teenagers that want to come up here and get on the railroad track,” Burgess said. “They’re pretty much playing Russian roulette with their life.”
Norfolk Southern officials said the group was trespassing on a train trestle when a freight train bound for Manassas, Va. struck the victims.
Officials are still investigating, but do not suspect foul play.
