A bicyclist was struck and killed by a Metro Transit light-rail train in South Minneapolis on Monday night, shutting down a portion of the Blue Line for just over an hour, a spokesman said.
It is believed the cyclist was traveling west on East 35th Street near Hiawatha Avenue, and was on the tracks when the collision occurred, Howie Padilla said.
“The intersection there does have warning devices and it is not known why the cyclist would have been on the tracks,” he said.
The bicyclist, later identified as John Edward Casey, 53, of Richfield, was declared dead at the scene after being hit by the northbound train.
Train activity was halted between the 46th Street and Franklin Avenue stations, according to Metro Transit.
9:13 p.m. METRO Blue Line service update: Trains are currently not running between Franklin and 46th Street Stations due to a train/pedestrian accident. We are coordinating replacement buses until Blue Line service is restored. Thanks for your patience. -JN
— Metro Transit (@MetroTransitMN) September 3, 2019
Buses were brought in for passengers until train service could be restored. Service resumed shortly after 10 p.m.
10:16 p.m. METRO Blue Line service update: Service is now resuming between Franklin and 46th Street Stations. Thank you for your patience as we work to get back on schedule. -JN
— Metro Transit (@MetroTransitMN) September 3, 2019
The Blue Line offers light-rail service to 19 stations between downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America.
On Friday, a woman died after she was struck by a Green Line train as she crossed University Avenue in St. Paul.
Originally posted on TwinCities.com
