Woman and Child Killed in Train Accident in Efland, North Carolina | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Authorities are still investigating the train accident that killed a young woman and her 5-year old son in Efland, North Carolina (NC) recently.

26-year old Erin Lindsay-Calkins, her 5-year old son, and 4-month old daughter were traveling on Mount Willing Road in Efland when Calkins attempted to cross the railroad tracks. She was struck by an Amtrak train. Calkins’ 4-month old daughter was taken to UNC hospitals where she is expected to recover. Sadly, Erin Lindsay-Calkins and her 5-year old son died in the accident. There were 215 passengers onboard the Amtrak train; none were injured.

Initial investigations show the train stop-arms were functioning at the Mount Willing Road Crossing. However, witnesses that live in the area reported that the stop-arms often malfunctioned. One witness told reporters that she had called about the stop-arm several times.

My deepest condolences go out to the Lindsay-Calkins family. I’ve represented many train accident victims and have witnessed the challenges and difficulties of losing a loved one. Often, these accidents are preventable, especially when a malfunction of the electronic gates and lights at a crossing cause such an accident.