Long Island Railroad Worker Fatally Electrocuted After Touching Third Rail

September 13th, 2012 |

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — Officials reported that a Long Island railroad worker (LIRR) was fatally electrocuted Monday morning, August 27, after touching the third rail on tracks near the Queens Village train station.

LIRR worker killed after being electrocuted on August 27, 2012. Photo Credit: DNAInfo.com

Authorities said the victim, identified as 51-year old Ronald Sampson of Lake Ronkonkama, was found on the tracks near Jamaica Avenue and 225th Street around 10:15 a.m. in cardiac arrest after being electrocuted while doing track maintenance work.

“He was performing track maintenance work with a gang of seven other employees when the incident occurred,” LIRR officials said. “Sampson’s fellow employees administered CPR at the scene until the arrival of the emergency medical services that transported him to the hospital.”

According to the MTA, Sampson died as he was being taken to Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

A second railroad worker, who had tried to help Sampson, was also taken to the hospital as a precaution.

“The entire LIRR is deeply shaken by this tragic loss,” said LIRR President Helena E. Williams.

The incident remains under investigation at this time.

According to the MTA, Sampson began his career in June 2006 as an Electric Traction helper. He was promoted to Third Railman in 2008.

Source: DNAInfo.com

Posted by Gordon, Elias & Seely, a FELA lawyer and railroad injury lawyer blog that publishes train accidents and FELA legal news from across the United States.