will now recind the pointless whistle ban as a result of this. Protecting people's lives is far more important than preserving a concpetual "quality of life".

The question is moot!

By whyinternet on Wed, 01/20/2016 - 2:28pm.

The whistle ban has to do with trains approaching grade street crossings (all of which in Melrose and Wakefield have gates and lights). This incident did not occur at a street crossing. Try again.

Do you have evidence that the train operator

By roadman on Wed, 01/20/2016 - 7:16pm.

blew the horn. If they didn't blow the horn in time to alert the person, or if they didn't blow it at all, it's probably because of the whistle ban - even if the person wasn't hit at a grade crossing. If you were to monitor the commuter rail frequencies, you'd realize that any train blowing their horn in Melrose - at a grade crossing or not - automatically prompts a call to the local PD from residents who are unclear on the concept that trains sometimes have to blow their horns, and do so for a legitimate reason. This local PD call then results in a radio call from the dispatcher to the train crew - typically this happens in under five minutes from the incident that prompted the horn blowing (yes, I've timed it).

A train horn is a safety device - the fact that a crew is questioned for using it at all is unacceptable.

I don't need no stinkin' evidence!

By whyinternet on Thu, 01/21/2016 - 10:35am.

This is an internet comments section, after all. I have heard a train use its horn (not a long blast, mind you) as it pulls into a station if latecomers are still scampering across the tracks to get to the platform. I assume (again: internet comment) that an engineer would use the horn any time people are visible on the tracks. I think your claim that an engineer would see someone on the tracks in danger of being struck and yet refrain from using the horn because of the fear of a phone call is the one that needs evidence.

No horn

By Mama on Thu, 01/21/2016 - 4:32pm.

I live right there literally. There wasn't a horn blown. I've lived there over 6 years and can count on one hand how many times I've heard the horn. I think the train must've been one of the ones used to keep the track warm/from freezing because the way it was between stops it doesn't seem like it could've gained enough speed since the two stops are so so close to each other. But I don't know how quickly they get going once they start so I could very easily be wrong about that part.
Word has it it was likely a suicide but I wouldn't take the T word for it since they would prefer that to operator error/inattention.
It's so sad such a young life lost

Rules say you don't use the horn

By roadman on Fri, 01/22/2016 - 1:39pm.

except in a true emergency - this applies ANYWHERE in a community with a whistle ban, not just at grade crossings.

I just gave you a typical scenario as to what happens when train crews in Melrose use horns. So it is not unreasonable to assume that the operator would be reluctant to use the horn in this case - as was verified by another poster (thanks for the reply Mama).

Perhaps you need to do some research on human nature and how unreasonable rules stifle rapid and necessary responses to emergency situations that people may encounter.

Right near our house...

By Mary Ellen on Tue, 01/19/2016 - 12:11am.

...and the high school principal and chief of police sent out a message about the incident to all parents, which makes me very worried that the victim is a teenager.

Yup

By Mama on Tue, 01/19/2016 - 8:50am.

Yeah like pp I'm local, can see the spot from my house. As a parent of a high schooler here I got the email that a "young man" was struck and keep any insider info off social media until coroner and police and notify family. Must be high schooler. My stomach has been sick since it happened, as a mom of someone around that age I ache for those parents :(
And first responders and the train operator :(

No classes at Melrose High tomorrow

By adamg on Tue, 01/19/2016 - 3:52pm.

Principal Marianne Farrell issued a statement today:

As stated in a letter sent home to parents this morning, an individual was struck and killed by a commuter rail train that was traveling toward the Highlands station last night.

While an investigation is still unfolding, and although the state Medical Examiner has not yet released a positive identification of the person involved, all indicators point to a Melrose High School student as is the victim of this tragedy. Once the individual has been positively identified by the state Medical Examiner, this information will be provided to our school community. We ask that you continue to respect the sensitive and confidential nature of this process as it unfolds.

We extend the deepest sympathy to the victim's family and understand that situations like this can be extremely difficult for students to process. We will do all we can to support our students as they grieve the loss of a friend, peer and community member.

Due to the tragic nature of these circumstances, the following actions have be taken:

1. There will be no classes or exams on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Mid-year exams have been postponed until Thursday, Jan. 21. Although, there will be no classes or exams on Jan. 20, the school will be open for students who wish to speak with a counselor.

2. Grief counselors will be made available tomorrow for all students and staff at Melrose High School. The school is open tomorrow from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. for any student who wishes to come to school and meet with someone. The district's seven school psychologists and eight guidance counselors will also be available to speak with individual students or small groups.

Sometimes there are no words....

By MassMouse on Tue, 01/19/2016 - 5:02pm.

Just prayers for the victim, his family and those involved with the accident.

Person on Haverhill Line tracks struck and killed by train

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