ERIE TOWNSHIP (WWJ) An Erie man died when his dirt bike struck a train in Monroe County, sheriffs’ officials said.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened on Saturday, June 14, around 9:27 p.m. at the Norfolk Southern Railroad crossing on Sterns Road near Suder in Erie Township.
Their preliminary investigation revealed Jacob Buchele, 31, was driving his off-road red and blue 2022 Honda CRF-250 dirt bike westbound on Sterns. He came the Norfolk Southern Railroad crossing, where an oncoming train was traveling northbound.
According to officials; the railroad crossing gates and red flashing warning lights were activated to the east and west side of the tracks. He went around the east-side-gate and entered the tracks.
His dirt bike struck the right side of the train’s engine. He fell from his bike onto the tracks, the sheriff’s office said.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. Sheriffs’ officials said he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and alcohol is believed to be a factor.
The Norfolk Southern Railroad Police, Monroe Community Ambulance, and members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Victims Service Unit and Chaplain Program assisted at the scene.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division is leading the investigation. If you have any information, please call (734) 240-7548.
Anonymous tips can be phoned in to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak-Up or submitted to their website, www.1800speakup.org.