2 men killed in separate train accidents

Two men were killed in separate train accidents in the Seattle area early Saturday.

A man believed to be a Marysville resident was struck and killed by a BNSF freight train at 12:10 a.m. Saturday in the Marysville area, becoming the first train fatality in Washington this year, according to BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas.

The man was walking on tracks when he was struck by a train that was traveling less than 40 mph.

A half-hour later, a man was walking on tracks near the Sumner Meadows Golf Course when he was struck by a train moving about 35 mph, Melonas said.

"In both they were trespassing at non-crossings," he said. "It's certainly unfortunate."

Last year there were 19 train-pedestrian fatalities in the state, the majority happening on the line between Tacoma and Bellingham, Melonas said.

"We can't caution the public enough. These trains can't stop immediately," he said.

Police and railroad officials are investigating both incidents. No other details were available.