Samuel Oitker Injured in Pike County Train Accident By Highway 106

Unsafe Premises - May 29, 2026

Samuel Oitker, 18, of Barry, Critically Injured in Norfolk Southern Train Accident Near Highway 106 in Pike County

BARRY, ILLINOIS (May 29, 2026) – An 18-year-old man identified as Samuel Oitker was seriously injured in a Pike County train accident by Highway 106 near Barry.

Pike County officials are saying that the accident took place on May 22. Samuel Oitker was in his car when that vehicle was struck by a westbound Norfolk Southern train as he was leaving work.

The collision took place at a private crossing that leads to Smith Agri-Science. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Samuel Oitker was airlifted to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield to receive treatment.

A full investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing at this time. His family is asking for members of the community to pray as he continues to recover at the hospital.

Liability for Pike County Train Accidents

Train conductors have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or cyclist or vehicle ahead of them. When evaluating whether or not a conductor could be liable for a collision, it ultimately depends on whether or not the accident in question was reasonably foreseeable and preventable. Train conductors should take a variety of different actions to avoid collisions with vehicles at crossings.

• Speed: Train conductors should always operate their vehicle at a safe speed given the prevailing conditions that they encounter.
• Scanning: Train conductors should continuously scan the tracks ahead of them for vehicles and other hazards.
• Horn: Train conductors should use their horn to alert pedestrians and other drivers of their presence.
• Intoxicants: Train conductors should abstain from alcohol and other potentially intoxicating substances.

If a train conductor fails to slow down to avoid hitting a vehicle on the tracks ahead of them, this could serve as evidence of negligence. Their employer could potentially be liable for the crash as well. As a general principle, employers can be vicariously liable for the negligent conduct of their workers who are operating within the course and scope of their job duties. Even if a pedestrian or vehicle is stationary on a set of tracks, this does not remove a train conductor’s duty of care to use caution and avoid a collision when possible.

Railroad Defects That Contribute to Train Accidents

Many people are seriously injured or killed in accidents involving trains each year. According to Operation Lifesaver, “2,272 highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred in 2025. There were 288 crossing fatalities and 764 crossing injuries in 2025 across the U.S. Approximately 84% of all 2025 highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred in [25] states.” There are several types of railroad crossing defects that could potentially contribute to a train accident.

• Gate Failures: A railroad crossing may have a defective warning system. This could include instances where the crossing arms did not come down or where the flashing lights did not activate.
• Obstructed Sight Lines: A railroad crossing may have an obstructed sight line. This occurs when vegetation, buildings, or fences prevent a driver from seeing oncoming trains.
• Railroad Defects: A railroad crossing may have defects with the train tracks that cause the tires on a vehicle to become stuck. This has actually happened on a number of different occasions.

If a defect with a set of railroad tracks contributes to an accident, liability for the collision could extend to whatever entity was responsible for the train tracks. This could be a municipal entity or even a private company. Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a safe condition. When a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition on their premises, they must take action. Any person harmed by a dangerous condition on a set of railroad tracks is able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.

Investigating Illinois Train Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our thoughts and prayers to Samuel Oitker and his family as he continues to recover. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong so that other accidents can be prevented. Several different questions remain unanswered at this point. What were the circumstances leading up to the crash? Is there any type of defect with this railroad crossing that may have contributed to what happened? Is there a history of collisions at this particular crossing?

Do you need more information about a Pike County train accident? Our team of train accident investigators is here for you. We are committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and holding all responsible parties fully accountable. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the unique circumstances of any crash, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at (312) 564-4256.