Louisiana Ranks 4th in Train-Vehicle Crashes, Injuries

Louisiana recorded fewer vehicle-train collisions and fatalities last year, but the number of related injuries rose slightly. That’s according to preliminary 2011 data from the Federal Railroad Administration.

Louisiana Operation Lifesaver said Monday the state ranked fourth nationally in the number of collisions and fourth in injuries The state had the ninth-highest number of fatalities.

Six people were reported injured when a train struck an 18-wheeler in Slidell on April 20.

Jefferson Parish ranked in the top five Louisiana parishes for vehicle-train crashes. The others were East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Caddo and Tangipahoa.

Pedestrian deaths and injuries at train tracks decreased nationally and in Louisiana. Louisiana ranked 14th nationally in injuries and 30th in fatalities, with Bossier, Calcasieu, Lafayette and Orleans in the top four parishes.