It is with heavy hearts that the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen reports that on Wednesday, January 31, a locomotive engineer employed by the Norfolk Southern Railway, Chris M. Wilson, 55, was killed at the Norfolk Southern yard in Decatur, Alabama. Wilson, a BLET member, was a 30-year employee of Norfolk Southern.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, and the BLET’s Safety Task Force has been given Party Status to assist.

“This tragic loss underscores the safety risks present in railroading, even in the controlled environment of a railyard,” said BLET National President Eddie Hall. “This week, marks one year since Norfolk Southern’s derailment and chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio. I hope as we reflect on that disaster and on the need to continually improve rail safety that we also pause to remember Brother Wilson and the family he leaves behind.”