Lancaster Co., PA (March 2, 2026) – In an updated report, a 39-year-old Amtrak employee was killed after being struck by a train in Lancaster County late last month. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on February 23, in the area of Greenfield Road and Old Philadelphia Pike in East Lampeter Township.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, Jeremy Charles of Holtwood was clearing snow from the tracks with a backpack blower when the train hit him. He was part of a “maintenance of way” crew assigned to work along the rail line. These crews use designated lookouts to alert workers of approaching trains.
Emergency units responded to the scene, but Charles did not survive. No additional details about the train involved have been released at this time.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Safety Procedures Protect Railroad Maintenance Crews
Railroad maintenance crews often work directly on or near active tracks while performing repairs, inspections, or clearing debris. Because trains can approach quickly and may not be able to stop in time, strict safety measures are typically used during these operations.
Work groups commonly assign trained lookouts to watch for oncoming trains and warn others to move to a safe area. Communication systems and scheduled track access can also help reduce risk. In some cases, crews rely on coordination with rail operators to limit train traffic while work is underway.
Weather conditions, such as snow and ice, can add further challenges by reducing visibility and making surfaces slippery. These factors can increase the danger for workers operating tools or equipment near active rail lines.
