John F. Canney Obituary, Death – A tragic accident occurred in Cohasset, Massachusetts, when a 78-year-old man was killed after his vehicle was struck by a commuter train. The incident took place on Saturday morning at the Beechwood Street railroad crossing and claimed the life of John F. Canney, a resident of Cohasset. According to authorities, Canney was driving a pickup truck that was hit by a Boston-bound MBTA Commuter Rail train at approximately 11:20 a.m.
The crash happened under circumstances that suggest the train and crossing systems were operating correctly at the time. Cohasset Police Chief William Quigley emphasized that there was no apparent malfunction with any of the safety equipment involved. Investigators and witnesses reported that Canney’s truck bypassed the activated crossing signals and safety gates, which were flashing and lowered to warn drivers of an oncoming train.
The commuter train, which was headed north toward Boston, was believed to be traveling at the legally permitted speed of 35 miles per hour when it collided with the truck. Officials stated that the train struck the vehicle with significant force, leaving no chance of survival for the driver. First responders arrived quickly on the scene, but Canney was pronounced dead at the site of the crash.
Several passengers aboard the train felt the impact of the collision. One passenger, Sean Nole, recounted the moment of the crash, saying that he and others initially believed the train may have struck a tree branch. However, the seriousness of the situation became apparent almost immediately, as power on the train shut down following the impact. While none of the passengers on the train sustained injuries, many were left stranded for hours in the aftermath as emergency personnel responded and shuttle buses were arranged to transport riders away from the scene.
Keolis, the company that operates the MBTA Commuter Rail service, confirmed that the railroad’s warning systems, including the crossing gates and flashing signals, were working properly at the time of the incident. This assertion reinforced police accounts and the statements of several witnesses who saw Canney’s truck go around the lowered gates just before the train arrived.
Chief Quigley stressed the inherent danger of trying to cross railroad tracks when gates are down or lights are flashing, regardless of whether a train is immediately visible. He remarked, “The train is always going to win,” urging motorists to exercise extreme caution at all railroad crossings. He advised that even if the gates are up, drivers should slow down and look both ways before crossing.
The tragic event has left the local community shaken, and authorities have reiterated the importance of adhering to railroad safety laws and signals. Railroad crossings are equipped with multiple layers of protection designed to prevent such incidents, including flashing lights, bells, gates, and signage, but these systems can only be effective if they are respected by those on the road.
While the investigation continues, the incident has prompted renewed calls for public awareness about the dangers of disregarding railroad crossing warnings. Officials from the town of Cohasset and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority have expressed their condolences to the family and friends of John F. Canney and have encouraged residents to report any concerns or malfunctions at railroad crossings, though there is currently no evidence that equipment failure played any role in this case.
The aftermath of the crash also posed challenges for emergency crews and transportation staff. Shuttle buses had to be deployed to assist passengers who were delayed by the crash, and responders worked for hours to clear the scene and restore normal service. For some passengers, the emotional impact of witnessing or being involved in such a traumatic incident will linger.
In conclusion, the fatal collision in Cohasset serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by ignoring safety measures at railroad crossings. While the equipment designed to prevent such tragedies was functioning correctly, a fatal decision led to irreversible consequences. As police continue their investigation and transportation officials assess the incident, public safety advocates are once again emphasizing that crossing gates and warning lights are not optional — they are essential to saving lives.