On May 4, 2023, at approximately 3:00 PM Lyon County Emergency Communications received a report of a train/pedestrian accident. Officers and detectives of the Emporia Police Department responded to Commercial St and the railroad tracks, in the 300 block of Commercial. The Emporia Fire Department responded as well. An elderly man, identified as John Speece, 85 years old, was pronounced deceased on the scene. Speece was trying to cross the railroad tracks heading south when an eastbound train struck Speece. Speece uses a walker to assist in his mobility. It is believed this was a major factor in the cause of the accident.
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Contact: Capt. Ray D. Mattas
620-341-4353
rmattas@emporia-kansas.gov
