This information is preliminary and subject to change.
Updated August 11, 2026.
On July 9, 2026, about 3:44 a.m. local time, the conductor of eastbound Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) freight train 256B309 (train 256) was fatally struck by westbound NS freight train 61WB308 (train 61W) on NS’s Chicago Line at milepost CD 504.2 near Whiting, Indiana.[1] At the time of the accident, train 256 was stopped on main track 2 as train 61W was approaching on the adjacent main track 3. The conductor of train 256 was on the ground fouling main track 3 when he was struck.[2] At the time of the accident, visibility conditions were dark and the weather was 73°F with no precipitation.
The accident location had three adjacent main tracks parallel to each other running east and west. Main track 1 was to the north, main track 2 was in the center, and main track 3 was to the south. The distance between the track centers of main track 2 and main track 3 was about 13 feet and 2 inches. Train 256 consisted of two head-end locomotives and 70 loaded freight railcars and was crewed by an engineer and conductor. Train 61W consisted of two head-end locomotives and 110 empty freight railcars and was also crewed by an engineer and a conductor.
On the day of the accident, about 2:53 a.m., train 256 departed NS’s Ashland Yard in Chicago for Croxton, New Jersey. About 3:38 a.m., the engineer stopped the train on main track 2 at milepost CD 504.2 at a stop signal.[3] Shortly before the accident, the conductor of train 256 dismounted from the lead locomotive on the south side (right side of the locomotive) to perform a visual inspection of train 61W scheduled to pass on main track 3.[4] Immediately before train 61W’s approach, the conductor walked across main track 3 to the field side (or the south side) of main track 3, fouling that track. The engineer of train 61W saw the conductor in the foul of main track 3 as his train was approaching the accident location and sounded the horn before striking the conductor.
All aspects of the accident remain under investigation while the National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause with the intent to issue safety recommendations to prevent similar events.
Parties to the investigation include:
- the Federal Railroad Administration;
- NS;
- the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, and
- the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.
[1] (a) All times in this report are local. (b) NS’s Chicago Line extends from milepost CD 479 at Chesterton, Indiana, to milepost CD 522.8 at Chicago Union Station in Chicago, Illinois.
[2] A track is
fouled when an individual or equipment is in the gauge of the track or within 4 feet of the nearest rail and hence can be struck by a moving train or on-track equipment.
[3] The stop signal was at control point 503. A control point is a location on a railroad where signals and power-operated switches are remotely controlled by a dispatcher, control operator, or automated signaling system.
[4] According to NS Operating Rule 140, Inspecting Trains, employees must visually inspect passing trains for their entire length for defects or conditions that could affect safe operations. This inspection must be performed whenever employees can safely observe the train from the ground.
