A man in his 30s was seriously injured Sunday afternoon in northern Sandpoint after he attempted to use railroad tracks as a shortcut and was struck by a passing train, according to authorities.
The incident was reported at approximately 3:46 p.m. on June 15, 2026. Sandpoint Police, Sandpoint Fire, and emergency medical personnel all responded to the scene. The man was conscious and alert following the collision, though the severity of his injuries warranted air transport.
Ground ambulance crews initially transported the victim to Selkirk Fire’s Sagle station, where a LifeFlight helicopter then flew him to Kootenai Health for further treatment. His name and city of residence have not been released.
Police Warn Public About Railroad Track Dangers
Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon used the incident as an opportunity to remind the public of the serious hazards posed by railroad tracks. “Trains can approach quickly and quietly, and they are unable to stop within a short distance,” Coon said in a statement. “For your safety, always use designated crossings and remain off railroad tracks and railroad bridges unless authorized to be there.”
Railroad tracks running through populated areas present a persistent danger when pedestrians treat them as informal pathways or shortcuts. Trains traveling at speed have virtually no ability to brake quickly, leaving little margin for error when someone is on the tracks. The combination of noise from wind, traffic, and ambient surroundings can make an approaching train difficult to hear until it is dangerously close.
The incident remains under active investigation by Sandpoint Police. No further details about the specific location along the tracks or the railroad line involved were immediately available.
What Comes Next
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. As the investigation progresses, additional details about the man’s condition and the exact sequence of events may be released. Sandpoint Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.
The incident is a reminder that pedestrian safety near rail corridors remains an ongoing concern in North Idaho. Sandpoint residents navigating the area near active rail lines are encouraged to use only marked crossings and to stay clear of tracks and railroad infrastructure at all times. Those in the community may also want to note a separate pedestrian safety concern in the area — Sandpoint’s Long Bridge pedestrian walkway was recently shut down indefinitely after inspectors discovered critical structural damage, which may be affecting how some residents are choosing alternate routes through the city.