Construction worker killed by oncoming MAX train

Why the man was on the TriMet MAX Light Rail tracks in the path of an approaching train – not even at a crossing – is unclear. Here’s what is known about this fatal collision …

After a construction worker steps in front of an oncoming TriMet MAX Blue Line train and is killed, East Burnside Street is closed between SE 139th and 143rd Avenues while the investigation is underway. MCSO image

By David F. Ashton

For unknown reasons, a member of a construction crew working on a project at the corner of East Burnside Street and SE 141st Avenue somehow made his way onto the TriMet MAX Light Rail tracks on Tuesday afternoon, November 12, ignored warning horns, and was struck by a MAX Blue Line train.

At 2:01 p.m. Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Transit Division deputies were dispatched to a “TriMet-Incident-Priority” incident at that intersection.

MCSO Transit Division deputies and members of the Medical Examiner’s Office conduct the investigation. MCSO image

First-arriving PPB officers, as well a Portland Fire & Rescue firefighter/paramedics, concluded that the man didn’t survive the collision.

“We don’t know, at the moment, why the individual went onto the tracks and was struck by the train,” Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer John Plock told reporters at the scene.

The next day, the MCSO identified the deceased as 61-year-old Anthony Davis of Salem. Davis was part of a Moore Excavation, Inc., construction crew working on a project at the corner where the incident took place.

Investigators work to understand how this fatal accident occurred. Courtesy KGW-TV News8

During the investigation, Transit Police deputies learned that Davis walked onto the tracks in front of an eastbound MAX Blue Line train. “The MAX train operator sounded the horn and attempted to stop the train using the emergency brake system; unfortunately, the train did not stop in time,” TriMet Public Information Officer Tyler Graf reported.

The Sheriff’s Office spokesperson also confirmed that Davis was alone, and was not in a pedestrian crossing when struck by the train.

In the rain, and into the evening the investigation continues. Courtesy KPTV Fox 12 News Oregon

This incident remains under investigation. While the MCSO has not requested information from witnesses who have not already talked to investigators, if you have any and want to contribute it, CLICK HERE to bring up their “Contact” page – and, when providing your information, refer to Portland Police Case No. 24-290870.

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