Aug. 6, 2010. Aug. 21, 2011. March 16, 2012.
Three dates. Three different lives ended by the vicious power of an oncoming train.
The of 24-year-old Matthew Omans, of Bayport, last Friday at the Bayport Avenue crossing is just the latest of a string of deaths on Long Island Rail Road tracks in the Sayville/Bayport area.
Maryanne Cannon, 47, of Oakdale, on Aug. 6, 2010 on the tracks between Rollstone Avenue and Cherry Avenue in West Sayville. Stephen Caracost, 22, of Sayville, was on Aug. 21, 2011 after being hit by a train near McConnell Avenue in Bayport.
Both of the incidents were investigated as suicides. Officials have not given a theory as to why Omans was on the tracks last week, although that investigation is ongoing.
So the question becomes: What can be done to increase safety near the train tracks in the area? Does the LIRR have a responsible to do more to prevent future tragedies?
Patch is awaiting word from the LIRR as to any new safety measures that may be in the works, but in the meantime, vote in our poll below and leave your thoughts in the comments section.
