Anaheim Train versus Auto Collision Kills Woman
Linda Krueger-Small, 68, of Lake Forest was killed after she was struck by a freight train on December 15, 2008. The Anaheim train accident occurred after Krueger-Small’s car became stuck on the railroad tracks near Lakeview and Orangethorpe avenues. A passerby tried to get her out of the vehicle, but couldn’t do so before the train hit the vehicle. Our source for this blog is this news report in The Orange County Register. The train’s engineer apparently told officials that he saw the vehicle on the tracks, but couldn’t stop the train in time to avoid the fatal collision.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Linda Krueger-Small, who died in this tragic accident. Going by readers’ comments to the news report, she was obviously well regarded and loved by many. Unfortunately, she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. My heart also goes out to the Good Samaritan who tried to help Krueger-Small get out of the car, but wasn’t able to do so. I pray for his emotional recovery from this traumatic incident.
I trust this train crossing accident will be thoroughly investigated by all authorities concerned. But the big question that remains at the moment is: How did Linda Krueger-Small’s vehicle get stuck on the tracks. There are barricade arms at that Anaheim railway crossing. I’m wondering if the arms at the crossing were functioning properly or if they came down too quickly. Both possibilities could have caused Krueger-Small’s vehicle to get stuck. It would also be interesting to find out why she could not get out of the vehicle or why the Good Samaritan could not get her out in time.
If this accident occurred as a result of malfunctioning arms at the crossing, then the railroad company could be held liable for the accident. The investigation will also look into whether the engineer had sufficient time to stop the train before it collided with Krueger-Small’s vehicle. The family of Linda Krueger-Small would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced Orange County train accident attorney, who will make sure that the responsible parties are held accountable for what happened to this victim.
Comments
I was trying to get her out through the window. Her seat belt seemed to be locked...I said to her, lady please get out of your car the train is coming. I had her half way out but I guess her legs were caught on the seat belt, if I only had a few more seconds.
5 or 6 cars that were in back of her and saw her on the tracks. they could have told her to just get out before me. A few seconds would have made a difference. When I saw her stuck I pulled over and ran to her car. I heard say to 911 that her car is stuck and to stop the train. She also said that someone is their to help her.
People seem to me don't give a damn...that is very disturbing and sad...what if it were your mom...would u want someone to help her....
Posted by: eddie | December 19, 2008 5:55 AM
I was there. She was 6 or 7 cars in front of me. I saw her make a right onto the west bound tracks. She had her car in reverse but it was not moving.
When all the cars between me and her went by, I pulled over and ran across the street to her. I went to her window and said to roll the window down. I heard her on the cell with 911 saying that her car is stuck on the tracks and to stop the train. She told the dispatcher that someone is their to help her.
I said lady please get out of the car. I reached in with my right hand to open the door seeing the train coming closer but I guess it was locked. I was running out of time. She and I were panicking. I told her to unbuckle the belt. I tried to pull her out the driver side window, yanking her out as hard as I could. She was half ways out but something was wrapped around her legs, maybe the seat belt. All the time looking down the track as the train was blowing its horn and getting very close. I had her more then half ways out the window. The train was at my face. I had to let go of her because I to would die. I stepped back from the tracks not wanting to see the impact. Turned my head and covered my face in fear. I heard the impact of the train and her car. I was torn apart sobbing and shaking.
If I had a few more seconds she would be safe.
But what pisses me of is that the assholes that were behind her and in front of her, saw her on the tracks and did NOTHING. While is was trying to pull her out the window I saw people looking at me pulling her out and did not help.
IT SEEMS TO ME THAT PEOPLE DON'T GIVE A CRAP ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE. WHAT IF IT WAS YOUR MOM OR SOME ONE YOU LOVED?
I hope her family reads this message
That is why I wrote this. We are to love each other and respect each other.
I have prayed for her.
Eddie
Posted by: Anonymous | December 21, 2008 7:26 AM
Eddie, you are truly a giant among men. I will pray for Linda, and for you. I hope you realize that you did all that you could do. I actually know her youngest son, and have told him about your message. The family does want to contact you to thank you, but don't know how. Until then, we all thank you for your help.
-Mehrdad
Posted by: Mehrdad1 | December 22, 2008 7:05 PM