One killed after collision with a freight train in Bellingham Friday morning

One person was killed after being struck by a mixed-freight train on a railway in Bellingham Friday morning, Sept. 25, according to BNSF Railway.

The victim, whose name and gender was not released, was not in a railway crossing when struck by the train, BNSF Railway spokeswoman Courtney Wallace told The Bellingham Herald. Additional details regarding the collision were not available Saturday, Sept. 26.

The track was shut down for a few hours as an investigation was conducted but has since re-opened.

Operation Lifesaver listed the following tips for pedestrians to follow when near a railroad track.

• Always expect a train — freight trains do not run on set schedules. Trains run on any track in any direction at any time.
• Remember that trains can’t swerve out of the way.
• Remember physics: the average freight train weight 12 million pounds.
• Don’t ignore warnings, such as flashing lights, bells and gates that activate when trains approach.
• Beware the optical illusion that trains appear to be moving much slower than they actually are.