08/28/2026
Topeka Fire Technical Rescue Team Responds to Pedestrian-Train Incident
The Topeka Fire Department responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a train near the US-75 Westgate Bridge on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at approximately 2:20 a.m.
Upon arrival, crews located an adult male near the railroad tracks beneath the bridge. Due to the difficult terrain and limited access to the area, the Topeka Fire Department Technical Rescue Team responded to assist crews.
Technical Rescue Team members utilized specialized rescue techniques to lift the individual from the railroad tracks to the bridge deck. The individual was then transported by AMR to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident response included three Engine Companies, the Technical Rescue Team and one Shift Commander.
The incident occurred just one day after Topeka Fire Department crews completed hands-on training with the University of Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute. The training, held during the week of August 17–21, 2026, was part of TFD’s ongoing annual training and provided firefighters an opportunity to practice specialized rescue skills used during technical rescue operations.
Watch as TFD’s Technical Rescue Team puts their specialized training into action during this rescue operation: https://youtu.be/VJLWxLmU0c4
The Topeka Fire Department responded to a report of a pedestrian st...
