A 38-year-old woman was struck and killed by a Union Pacific train in Kent on Wednesday near the railroad tracks just south of Willis Street, a grim scene that now has detectives combing through evidence and witness accounts.
Kent police said officers found an adult woman on the tracks who was pronounced dead at the scene. In a detailed Facebook update, the Kent Police Department said the woman had been hit by a Union Pacific train in the area just south of Willis Street, and noted that the case remains under active investigation. Detectives examined the tracks and surrounding area and are working to gather witness statements and any available video.
What Investigators Say
According to KIRO 7, the Union Pacific train was traveling at about 35 miles per hour when the conductor saw someone on the tracks and repeatedly sounded the horn. Despite those horn blasts, investigators were told there was no change in the person’s behavior before impact, and the train could not stop in time to avoid the collision.
Police are asking anyone who saw what happened or who may have recorded video of the incident to contact detectives as they work to understand exactly how the fatal crash unfolded.
Quiet Zone And Safety Context
The fatal collision comes as the City of Kent moves ahead with plans for a new downtown railroad Quiet Zone that will include the Willis Street crossing. The city announced in June that it had secured federal approval for the Quiet Zone and said it is expected to take effect in late August. In its announcement, the City of Kent stressed that train operators will still be allowed to sound their horns in emergency situations or any time engineers believe extra warning is needed.
City officials said the Quiet Zone required a series of safety upgrades, including raised medians and improved signage at crossings, which are intended to reduce risks as trains move through downtown.
How To Help
Kent police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant video to call the department’s nonemergency line or submit a tip online. Detectives are continuing to coordinate with railroad personnel as they process the scene and gather evidence. The department has not released additional identifying details about the victim and said it will provide updates as the investigation develops.
The Kent Police Facebook post also pointed people in emotional distress to crisis resources, encouraging anyone who needs immediate help to call or text 988 for free, confidential support. Both the Kent Police Department and the 988 Lifeline offer information for those seeking assistance or looking to report concerns.
