NTSB investigating Norfolk Southern railroad death, victim identified
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the death of a Norfolk Southern employee.
According to NTSB, around 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, 55-year-old Chris M. Wilson, a 30-year Norfolk Southern employee and locomotive engineer, was hit by a freight car.
Investigators will remain on the scene for up to a week, and the preliminary report should be out in 2-3 weeks. However, the final report is expected to be released anywhere between 12 and 24 months.
Morgan County Coroner Jeff Chunn confirmed the death to News 19 but said it did not occur at the railyard. Chunn said Wilson was transported to Huntsville Hospital where he died.
Thursday, Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville released the following statement through X, formerly known as Twitter:
My prayers are with the family and loved ones of the Norfolk Southern engineer who was tragically killed yesterday in Decatur, AL. I expect a full and thorough investigation from the Department of Transportation’s FRA and NTSB.
Senator Tommy Tuberville
The railroad said in a statement that it is “grieving the loss of a member of our team and our hearts are with their loved ones during this extremely difficult time. We are cooperating fully with the NTSB to understand what happened.”
News 19 is working to gather more information regarding the death.
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