Blind student critically injured by train in Ruston, Louisiana

A 41-year-old woman who is blind was critically injured after being struck by a train in Ruston, Louisiana, last Friday evening. The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. near the Louisiana Center for the Blind while the woman was reportedly walking home from a training session.

Emergency responders treated the woman at the scene before she was airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport. She is reported to be in critical but stable condition. The Louisiana Center for the Blind issued a statement requesting privacy for the student and her family during this time.

The accident has raised local questions regarding safety measures. While the City of Ruston has installed fencing along certain sections of the railroad tracks, fencing is not present at vehicle crossings, which is where the incident occurred.