BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A pedestrian was killed Wednesday morning after being struck by a train in southwest Birmingham, authorities said.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue said the crash happened around 8:23 a.m. near 40th Street Southwest and Bessemer Avenue Southwest, just a block from Jefferson Avenue Southwest. No additional information about the victim was immediately released, and authorities did not provide details about what led to the collision.
The Birmingham Police Department and Birmingham Fire and Rescue were not immediately reporting further details in the initial coverage.
Train collisions in Alabama remain a recurring safety issue. In 2023, Alabama reported 83 collisions at rail crossings, with 33 injuries and nine fatalities, according to ALDOT figures cited by Birmingham Watch. Operation Lifesaver’s preliminary 2025 data ranked Alabama seventh nationwide with 87 collisions, seven deaths and 49 injuries.
State and railroad officials say accidents involving trains must be reported within 24 hours, and Alabama’s Public Service Commission says its Railway Safety section inspects rail equipment and track for compliance with state and federal standards. Birmingham has also begun rolling out train-alert sensors and electronic message boards at select crossings to warn drivers and first responders about approaching trains and possible delays.
A few safety basics remain critical around tracks: never try to beat a train, never walk around lowered gates, and expect trains from either direction at any crossing.