Angel Luis Rivera Death, Obituary, Train Accident – Officials have identified the man who tragically lost his life Sunday morning after being struck by a train in Alburtis, Pennsylvania. Angel Luis Rivera, a 26-year-old resident of Alburtis, was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after being hit by a westbound train.
Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio confirmed Rivera’s identity in a news release, stating that the incident occurred at approximately 9:50 a.m. near the intersection of North Main Street and West Penn Avenue. The coroner’s office reported that Rivera sustained multiple blunt-force injuries, leading to his death. The manner of death has been ruled accidental.
According to Alburtis Borough Police Chief Tony Alsleben, Rivera was walking southbound at the Main Street railroad crossing at the time of the incident. Witness accounts suggest that Rivera had seen the railroad crossing arm lowered and waited for an eastbound train to pass.
However, after the train had cleared, Rivera reportedly went around the crossing arm, not realizing a second train was approaching from the opposite direction. Rivera was then struck by the westbound Norfolk Southern train. Emergency responders arrived at the scene promptly after the incident, and Rivera was pronounced dead around 10:30 a.m. The crossing was temporarily closed to allow authorities to investigate, causing disruptions in both rail and vehicle traffic in the area.
The tragic incident has left the local community in shock. Neighbors and residents expressed their condolences to Rivera’s family, sharing their sadness over the loss of a young life. Rivera was known in the community, and his sudden death has raised concerns about pedestrian safety at railway crossings.
Borough police, the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office, and Norfolk Southern police are conducting a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding Rivera’s death. Authorities are reviewing witness statements and any available surveillance footage from the area to gain further insight into the incident.
Norfolk Southern issued a statement expressing sympathy for Rivera’s family and friends, reiterating the importance of safety around railroad tracks. The company urged pedestrians and drivers to always obey crossing signals and barriers, emphasizing that trains can approach unexpectedly from either direction.
As the investigation continues, community members are reminded of the inherent dangers of crossing railroad tracks when safety barriers are in place. Rivera’s tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols around trains and railways. The Alburtis Borough Council is expected to address the incident in their upcoming meeting, discussing potential measures to enhance safety at local railroad crossings to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
