Teen survives being hit by train while walking on tracks, wearing headphones

An Amtrak train carrying more than 100 people struck a teenager who was walking on the tracks while wearing headphones and failed to hear the train until it was almost too late.

Chicopee Police Officer Michael Wilk said that just after 4 p.m. Wednesday, a 14-year-old boy was struck near 919 Meadow St. by an Amtrak train traveling on the Vermonter Line. The driver blew his whistle several times and placed the train into emergency stop mode, but was unable to avoid boy.

The teen was conscious and alert when emergency personnel arrived on scene and was taken to Baystate Medical Center for treatment. He suffered a broken elbow, and other minor injuries.

The teen should be released from the hospital Wednesday night.

Amtrack police have closed out their investigation and the teen will not be charged for trespassing.

Wilk asked parents to remind their children to stay off of train tracks as walking on them is illegal and could be deadly.