Pedestrian stuck, killed by a train in Alma

UPDATE (7/18/2020 at 5:28 P.M.): BNSF said it is working with local law enforcement and investigating the incident.

ALMA, Wis. (WKBT)– A pedestrian is dead after being struck by a train in Buffalo County this afternoon, according to the sheriff’s office. Linda Sanden, 70, of Albert Lea, died from her injuries.

It happened at 12:23 p.m. at a crossing near the 300 block of South Main St. in Alma, which is commonly used for fishing, according to the department.

First responders found Sanden along the railroad tracks with fatal injuries.

Sanden and a family member were getting ready to go fishing when she began to carry fishing gear across the tracks, according to an initial investigation.

An eastbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe train was approaching the area and saw Sanden on the tracks. The train crew made efforts to warn Sanden and stop the train, but they were not able to avoid the collision.

The Alma Fire Department and Police Department, Buffalo County Coroner’s office, Buffalo County Sheriff’s office, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, Western Buffalo County Ambulance Service and Talbot Funeral Home all responded to the scene.

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