Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Man’s leg severed when trying to board moving train in Decatur

This is a screenshot of the train crossing where a man lost his leg after being hit by a train.

Credit: Google Maps

Credit: Google Maps

This is a screenshot of the train crossing where a man lost his leg after being hit by a train.
By
June 7, 2021

A man lost his leg over the weekend when he fell while trying to board a moving train in Decatur, police said.

At about 10:20 p.m. Saturday, police found the injured man near the freight train railroad crossing at East Trinity Place and East College Avenue, which is near downtown Decatur. Sgt. John Bender said investigators believe the man tried to board a moving train before the incident.

The man was conscious when authorities arrived, and he was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he’s expected to survive.

ExploreLongtime Decatur police chief announces retirement

According to an incident report, a 38-year-old man tried to jump onto the passing freight train from the south side of the railroad tracks. His wife, who was at the scene, said he “thought it was moving slow enough to jump aboard safely,” the report said.

The train belonged to CSX, and a company representative also responded to the scene after the incident. No charges were filed.

About the Author

Zachary Hansen, a Georgia native, covers economic development and commercial real estate for the AJC. He's been with the newspaper since 2018 and enjoys diving into complex stories that affect people's lives.

Follow Zachary Hansen on facebookFollow Zachary Hansen on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Chris Van Beneden, left, who worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 25 years, and Julie Edelson, who worked there for 10, protest in support of the CDC in front of its Atlanta headquarters on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, after layoffs were announced. (AP Photo/Ben Gray)

Credit: AP

Outrage and sadness fuel protest outside CDC

The firings began Tuesday for employees across the entire U.S. Health and Human Services Department, of which the CDC is a part.

FEMA must face Atlanta flood repair lawsuit after approving just $200 of $1.2M aid

The Federal Emergency Management Agency must face a lawsuit by the city of Atlanta after approving only $200 of the city’s request for $1.2 million in flood repair costs.

‘Jailbnb’ and a missing dino: Atlanta’s biggest April Fools’ jokes this year

The Latest

Chris Van Beneden, left, who worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 25 years, and Julie Edelson, who worked there for 10, protest in support of the CDC in front of its Atlanta headquarters on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, after layoffs were announced. (AP Photo/Ben Gray)

Credit: AP

Outrage and sadness fuel protest outside CDC

‘Jailbnb’ and a missing dino: Atlanta’s biggest April Fools’ jokes this year

Federal judge hands Georgia a win in Lake Allatoona ‘water wars’ case

Featured

People join a rally in support for U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees on Tuesday afternoon, April 1, 2025, at the Atlanta headquarters after federal cuts triggered significant layoffs. (Photo: Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Mass layoffs underway at Atlanta-based CDC

Public health experts say the CDC cuts could represent generational damage to health research and the elimination of infectious diseases.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank discusses his hourlong phone call with Kirk Cousins

“I had a long and impactful conversation with him,” the Atlanta Falcons owner said at the NFL annual meeting on Tuesday.

Atlanta rapper Young Scooter died after cutting leg on wood fence, medical examiner says

New details still have investigators asking questions about the death of the rapper, who police say died after falling while running from officers responding to a 911 call.