Pedestrian, dog die after being struck by train in Waukesha; 'He slammed on the brakes'

Fatal incident at railroad crossing in Waukesha

WAUKESHA -- A shocking tragedy at a railroad crossing in Waukesha occurred shortly after 6:30 a.m. on Monday, March 26. Police said a man and his dog were struck and killed on the railroad tracks near Barstow and Carroll. Police are not identifying the victim at this time.

Traffic was stopped and diverted around the intersection as emergency crews did what they could.

"I heard the conductor honk, but it was really quick, like rushed. It seemed like he didn't have enough time to honk," said Kasey Gresbach, who heard the commotion at the railroad tracks.

Fatal incident at railroad crossing in Waukesha

Fatal incident at railroad crossing in Waukesha

Neighbors said the flashing red light, the bell and the noise of the oncoming trains make it difficult for people not to know a train is coming. There is however, no gate at the crossing. The intersection at Barstow and Carroll is at a dead end that had a barrier.

"He slammed on the brakes. He stopped really quick, like 500 feet, maybe 600 feet away. It didn't take him long to stop," Gresbach said.

Fatal incident at railroad crossing in Waukesha

Waukesha police said by the time emergency crews got there, the man had died. The dog died on the way to an animal emergency room.

Neighbors said they're trying to figure out how the tragedy happened -- and are saddened by the loss of one of the many dog walkers they often see in the neighborhood.

Waukesha police are not releasing any more information at this time. It's an area that has a lot of student housing for Carroll University -- but also has older renters and homeowners.