Katrina evacuee struck by Metro train

[kskiska]

An evacuee who was reportedly listening through headphones and looking at the ground while walking toward the Astrodome was struck by a Metro light rail train this morning, officials said.

The unidentified man, in his late 40s or early 50s, apparently didn't see the dropped crossing arms or blinking caution lights or hear officers screaming at him as he tried to walk across the tracks at Fannin and Naomi around 11:30 a.m., said Metro spokesman George Smalley.

"He walked right into the path of the train," Smalley said. "You don't ever want this to happen to anybody. But it's especially painful to someone who's already gone through such trauma."

The man was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital, where he was being treated for an injured spleen and other non-life-threatening injuries, he said.

more…
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/3338452

[Horse with no Name]

1. Sounds like he was in a daze or in shock

My heart breaks for these poor souls.
I can't begin to imagine their horror.

[progressivebydesign]

4. Actually sounds like he just couldn't hear the train..

he was listening to music on headphones.

[progressivebydesign]

2. I'm glad that he's alive.... unbelievable double tragedy. n/t

[loro mi dicevano]

3. The MP3 player ad on the side is the most ironically misplaced ad ever.

[Hello_Kitty]

5. Aw geez, I hope he'll be okay.

He was probably either looking for work or information on family members.

[Igel]

6. You have to watch those trains.

Those suckers move.

They're not like trams or streetcars. And the tracks aren't all that noticeable if you're a pedestrian.

(I'm a not infrequent jaywalker.)

[Karmakaze]

7. Holy cow...

This guy survived the "worst storm in US history", he survived the Bush admin's "relief efforts" and now he survived being hit by a train?

This guy is either the luckiest SOB in the US - or the unluckiest.

[Miss Chybil]

8. Thank God he's alive. nt

[Pithy Cherub]

9. Probably first news or music he has heard for himself.

Thank Goodness he will survive!

[mb7588a]

10. soudns more like a suicide attempt...nt

[DesEtoiles]

11. Every DAY in Houston a person or car tangles with a metro train

don't know why - it's strange

[yowzayowzayowza]

15. Indeed, despite the myriad ...

signs and lights, therez always a story runnin' 'bout misjudging those trains.

[nonconformist]

12. Of all the fucking luck... nt

[countmyvote4real]

13. Unbelievable tragedy and yet ...

He must have recharged the player's battery on Sunday or Monday before the power went out.

That wasn't meant for humor. More like a gallows observation.

I hope he survives and recovers.

[Gelliebeans]

14. Now he will finally get the medical

attention that he has probably been denied and three square meals too.