Tragic Train Incidents Claim Lives of Two Men in Upstate South Carolina
Liberty and Oconee County, SC
Two men lost their lives in separate train-related incidents in Upstate South Carolina within a three-day span, as confirmed by local coroners. The tragic events highlight ongoing dangers associated with railway crossings and pedestrian safety in the region.
First Incident: Pedestrian Killed in Pickens County
The first incident occurred on Saturday afternoon. At around 3 p.m., 21-year-old Carter Adams, a resident of Liberty, was fatally struck by a train while walking on the tracks near the railroad crossing on Belgian Horse Lane, according to Chief Deputy Coroner Andrew Wilson. Adams suffered multiple blunt force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding Adams’ death are still under investigation by the coroner’s office, along with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office. This incident raises concerns about safety near railroad tracks and whether adequate warning signs are in place for pedestrians.
Second Incident: Connecticut Man Found on Railroad Tracks
Just two days later, another life was tragically lost. On Monday morning, around 8 a.m., a car driver on U.S. 76 noticed a body lying on the railroad tracks near the Sandifer Boulevard bridge, approximately 20 miles from the site of Adams’ death. Authorities later identified the victim as a 26-year-old man from Connecticut.
Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis reported that the deceased was found on the Norfolk Southern Railroad right of way near the bridge. The coroner’s office is currently reaching out to officials in Connecticut to help identify the man’s next of kin.
Ongoing Investigations
Both incidents are being investigated thoroughly. In the case of the Connecticut man, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Department and Norfolk Southern Law Enforcement are also involved in the investigation. It remains unclear how the man ended up on the tracks.
The coroners involved have indicated that further details will be released as investigations progress. The situations remind the community of the potential hazards near railway crossings and emphasize safety precautions for those who live near these busy transportation routes.
Community Response
The news of these incidents has left the local communities in both Pickens and Oconee counties in shock. Residents are urged to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings when near railway tracks. The deaths of Adams and the unidentified man serve as somber reminders of the perils that can arise from both pedestrian and vehicular traffic in close proximity to railroads.
As investigations continue, officials hope to gather more information to provide context and clarity surrounding these tragic events. Local authorities are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all residents and preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
