Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 15/01) - A teenager narrowly escaped death Oct. 9 while driving an all-terrain vehicle across train tracks in Hay River.

It is believed that Ben Stewart, 19, leaped from his vehicle a moment before the train struck. A broken pelvis and other injuries may have been sustained after he jumped, say RCMP.

He "just didn't see the train," said RCMP Cpl. Gary Asels.

"Where he came out there are a lot of willows."

Stewart was crossing the tracks on a trail popular for ATVers and snowmobilers. During summer, Asels said, someone added planks and blocking at the track to make crossing easier.

The train couldn't be heavier. It was hauling full fuel tanks and cement. Asels said it was travelling about 30 kilometres per hour, and took 240 feet to stop when the conductor slammed on the brakes.