RSSMan Struck and Killed by SunRail Train in Orlando
Orlando police have issued a statement regarding the man who was struck and killed by a SunRail train a week ago, Thursday. According to their account, the man was the 84-year-old William Milligan. It is believed that Milligan, who suffered from dementia, was taking a walk when the incident occurred shortly after 7:00 in the evening. Walking near to his Orlando home, which is located close to Orange Avenue and Wilkinson Street, Milligan approached the tracks. His stroll near to the train is not unusual given that Milligan’s home is located very close to the rails.
Milligan was attempting to cross the tracks when he stepped into the path of an oncoming train. The train, unable to stop in time, struck the man, killing him instantly.
A video feed from a camera situated at an unspecified location captured the entire scenario. After careful viewing, the Orange County Police Department and other related authorities have decided that the video shows no signs of foul play or suspicious activity leading up to the accident.
In a separate statement, the Florida Department of Transportation said that the train involved was in the northbound lanes and that after striking Milligan it and the 35 passengers aboard were detained at the scene. The Florida Department of Transportation also hastened to add that none of the individuals aboard the train were injured as a result of the collision with the pedestrian. Several hours later, the train was allowed to leave the scene of the accident.
Partially in response to this incident and partially in response to the other recent collisions between SunRail trains and pedestrians, the Florida Department of Transportation has released plans to spend $400,000 in an effort to curb these types of accidents. The primary plan as of this writing is to erect numerous chain link fences surrounding specific sections of the tracks located throughout Orange and Seminole counties. These areas have been specifically selected due to their propensity to attract foot traffic.
Areas in the proposed construction include the track between the southern end of the Sanford station to just south of the State Road 46 overpass, between the southern end of Merritt Street to Williams Street, and from the southern end of Orange Avenue in Orlando to the intersection with Marks Street.
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.