Freight train sideswipes man in Marysville

A Yuba County man sustained major injuries Saturday when he was sideswiped by a southbound Union Pacific train.

Devon Richardson, 34, was walking south on the railroad tracks near A and First streets in Marysville around 3:25 p.m. He was wearing headphones and did not hear the train approaching.

The conductor honked the train's horn repeatedly and slowed the freight train, but was unable to stop in time.

Richardson was tossed from the tracks and suffered injuries to his head and cuts to his leg.

He was transported by air ambulance to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where he was still being treated at 6:30 p.m. The hospital would not provide any other details on his condition.

After the accident, Richardson was coherent and talking but did not remember what happened, said Marysville police Officer Gabby Carter.

"He has serious injuries, but it sounds like he's going to live," she said.

Union Pacific police came to Marysville to investigate the accident. The train was stopped for several hours, with freight cars stretching at least 18 blocks.

In June, Linda resident Brandon Howell, 17, was hit and killed instantly by a train on the tracks west of Third Avenue in Olivehurst. He also was wearing headphones.