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Cyclist hit by FrontRunner train is in medically-induced coma

Posted at 3:07 PM, May 25, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-25 21:45:57-04

SALT LAKE CITY — A man who was hit by a FrontRunner train while trespassing in Salt Lake City Thursday is now in a medically-induced coma, a statement from Utah Transit Authority said.

"UTA has been told it is difficult to give an accurate diagnosis as there is no communication with the patient. He is still in critical condition at this point, but he is receiving world class care at a local hospital and we are hoping for a full recovery," the statement said.

Officials haven't identified the man, but UTA stated he is 18 years old.

A UTA spokesman told police the victim and a woman had been trespassing on tracks near 800 S 600 W at the time of the incident Thursday morning.

At this point, UTA says all they can hope for is a full recovery and that an accident like this won’t happen again.

“It’s an unfortunate situation that happened yesterday and we want to try to avoid those things from happening, if at all possible,” UTA Spokesman Carl Arky said. “We have signs at every platform that say unplug, disconnect. Get off your phone, stop texting, stop talking, unplug your ear buds.”

Arky said the trains are moving too fast to slow down or stop if something gets in their way. To avoid accidents, UTA has put up signs like “look both ways,” or “stop for trains.” Arky said sometimes it can be confusing when the gates go up, but the red flashing lights stay on.

“The number one message that we want to get out is, please, if the lights are flashing, stop and wait,” Arky said.