2 teens recovering after being struck by train in Helena

HELENA, Ala. (WBRC) - UPDATE 6/30/23: Helena Police say they have spoken with the families of both teens, and say they are making steady progress every day. One is already up walking and talking to family.

“Our officer is on light duty until he can be seen by an orthopedic doctor next week to ensure everything is OK, but he is in good spirits and ready to return to work,” said Brad Flynn, Chief of Police Helena Police Department.

UPDATE: As of Tuesday afternoon, the two teens struck by a train in Helena remain in critical condition. However, the doctors are positive about their recovery outcome.

The officer injured trying to help save one of the teens struck was released from the hospital late Tuesday night, according to Helena Police Chief Brad Flynn.

Chief Flynn says the officer is doing okay but is dealing with severe sprains and bruises. He says the officer should be back at work in the next week or so.

We will continue providing updates as we learn more.

Original Story: Two teenagers were struck by a train Monday afternoon, according to Helena Fire Chief, Peter Valenti.

The incident happened around 2:43 p.m. near the Riverwoods Subdivision in Helena.

The Helena Fire Department and police responded to the scene where they found two teenagers seriously injured after they were struck by a train. One of the teens was ejected about 30 or 40 feet and then the other teen was entangled up under the train.

Officials tell WBRC the teens were on a trestle and before they knew it, a train was coming. Both teenagers were flown to Children’s of Alabama with life-threatening injuries.

Helena Police Chief Flynn tells WBRC that the teenagers were walking from Black Ridge subdivision in Hoover to Old town Helena.

Two other juveniles were also at the scene and were able to jump about 30 feet down an embankment to avoid getting hit.

A Helena officer was also injured after falling about 30 feet into a steep embankment while on the scene, but Chief Flynn says that officer is expected to recover.

Flynn says this is the fourth time an incident like this has happened since he’s been chief.

Chief Flynn says anything is better than crossing over train tracks. He again wants to urge everyone to stay off the tracks and remember that there are safer routes you can take.

Watch Chief Flynn’s News Conference here:

We will update this story with more information as it becomes available.

The incident is under investigation.

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