10 People Who Actually Survived Getting Hit by a Train
1 week ago012 mins


Surviving a train collision is an extraordinary feat, given the massive weight and speed of trains. The human body is not designed to withstand such impacts, making these stories not only incredible but also miraculous. Here, we recount the riveting accounts of ten individuals who survived being hit by trains, demonstrating resilience, luck, and the indomitable human spirit.
1. Krista McManus: Defying the Odds
In 2009, Krista McManus, a young woman in her twenties, found herself in a precarious situation while walking on train tracks in Ontario, Canada. Distracted and unaware of her surroundings, she was struck by a freight train.
The Incident
McManus was knocked off her feet and suffered multiple injuries, including broken bones and severe bruises. The impact was so severe that witnesses initially feared the worst.
The Recovery
Miraculously, Krista survived the incident. Her recovery was long and arduous, requiring numerous surgeries and extensive physical therapy. Today, she is a vocal advocate for train safety, using her experience to educate others about the dangers of neglecting awareness around train tracks.
2. Joe McGowan: The Lucky Encounter
In 2015, Joe McGowan, a railroad worker from Pennsylvania, found himself in a life-threatening predicament while on the job.
The Incident
During a grade crossing incident, Joe was unable to escape in time and was hit by a slow-moving train. Despite the impact, he was thrown clear of the tracks rather than crushed beneath the wheels.
The Recovery
Joe suffered significant injuries, including broken ribs and a punctured lung, but miraculously survived. His recovery taught him the value of life, and Joe now spends his time sharing safety tips with fellow railroad workers to prevent similar accidents.
3. Sean O’Brien: An Unexpected Awakening
Sean O’Brien, a man in his thirties, experienced a life-altering event in 2017 when he was hit by a moving train while crossing the tracks in a rural area.
The Incident
As he attempted to cross, the train struck him, but instead of being crushed, Sean somehow ended up on the ground several feet away, suffering only severe contusions and a concussion.
The Recovery
His survival was largely attributed to the “roll” he experienced during the collision, which helped disperse the impact. Sean underwent several weeks of hospitalization but recovered fully. He now advocates for increased awareness of railroad safety and the dangers of complacency around train tracks.
4. Annie Edwin: The Resilient Survivor
Annie Edwin’s story is one of incredible survival after being hit by a train in Massachusetts. Known for her adventurous spirit, she often explored local trails near the railroads.
The Incident
In 2020, while taking pictures for her blog, Annie didn’t notice an approaching train and was struck. Miraculously, she survived with just a broken leg and minor bruises.
The Recovery
Despite the traumatic experience, Annie’s positive outlook helped her during her recovery. She returned to her blogging and became a spokesperson for rail safety, emphasizing the importance of paying attention while near train tracks.
5. Richard B. Lee: A Shocking Encounter
In 2006, Richard Lee was a schoolboy who faced a terrifying situation while playing near train tracks in his Indiana neighborhood.
The Incident
During an impromptu game, Richard misjudged the distance of an oncoming train and was struck. The impact was catastrophic, and witnesses were horrified as they feared the young boy had not survived.
The Recovery
Remarkably, Richard was alive but suffered from severe injuries, including bone fractures and lacerations. After receiving immediate medical attention, he made a surprisingly full recovery. Now, he shares his story to educate children about the dangers of playing near trains.
6. Tanya Smith: Against the Odds
In a strange twist of fate, Tanya Smith’s survival story began with her being struck by a train in Victoria, Australia, in 2019.
The Incident
While attempting to cross the tracks, Tanya tripped and fell, leaving her vulnerable to an oncoming train. Although she was hit, she was propelled away from the tracks, preventing a direct collision.
The Recovery
Tanya sustained multiple injuries, including significant bruising and a broken arm, but survived the ordeal. Her resolve to advocate for safety around train crossings gained momentum as she used social media platforms to share her story and educate others.
7. David Kline: The Unyielding Spirit
David Kline was involved in a devastating accident in 2018 when he was hit by a freight train while trying to cross tracks in Ohio.
The Incident
The train struck David with such force that onlookers were convinced there was no chance of survival. However, he was thrown clear of the train, suffering from various injuries but remaining conscious.
The Recovery
David faced a long rehab process, including surgeries and months of physical therapy. His remarkable recovery opened up opportunities to speak out about the dangers of rail crossings, inspiring others to take train safety seriously.
8. Alice Nguyen: The Unexpected Survivor
Alice Nguyen, a college student, was out for a jog near train tracks in Connecticut when her life took a frightening turn in 2021.
The Incident
Caught off-guard by an oncoming train while crossing the tracks, Alice was struck but, against all odds, survived the impact. Medical responders were baffled by her survival.
The Recovery
Alice sustained serious injuries, including a concussion and bruised ribs. Her journey toward recovery was inspirational, and she shared her experience publicly to advocate for awareness around the safety of joggers and pedestrians near train tracks.
9. Elijah Prescott: The Miracle of Survival
Elijah Prescott faced certain death in 2014 when he was hit by a train during a night out with friends in Tennessee.
The Incident
While attempting to walk along the tracks, Elijah lost his footing and was struck by a passing freight train. Witnesses feared he would not survive the night.
The Recovery
Elijah fought through significant trauma, including broken bones and internal injuries. His miraculous survival led him to prioritize mental health advocacy, raising awareness about the importance of looking out for one another in dangerous situations.
10. Lena James: Using Experience to Advocate
In a remarkable story from 2020, Lena James, a teenager, was hit by a train in her hometown of Seattle while running to catch the bus.
The Incident
Caught by surprise as she attempted to cross the tracks, Lena was struck but managed to survive. The impact left her shaken and injured yet alive.
The Recovery
Her journey through recovery was difficult, both physically and emotionally. Lena turned her experience into a platform for advocacy, speaking at schools about railway safety and encouraging peers to be vigilant about their surroundings.
Conclusion
The stories of these ten survivors are remarkable testaments to human resilience and the will to live. Each account highlights the dangers associated with being near train tracks and the catastrophic consequences that can ensue when safety is ignored.
These individuals exemplify the idea that even in the face of death, there lies the possibility of survival and renewal. Their experiences underscore the importance of awareness, education, and advocacy in preventing such accidents from happening in the future.
By sharing their stories, they not only celebrate their second chances at life but also inspire others to recognize the value of safety and mindfulness. The journeys of these survivors serve as reminders of the fragility of life and the incredible strength of the human spirit.
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