2 Dead Along Light Rail Tracks At Site Of Recent Fatal Crash

CHARLOTTE, NC — Two men were struck and killed by a Charlotte Area Transit System Lynx light rail train Tuesday as they memorialized the death of a 27-year-old man, who was struck and killed by a Blue Line train when he drove around barriers at the same location one week earlier, according to police.

The incident occurred shortly after 5 a.m. Aug. 3 near 8200 South Boulevard. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers, along with Charlotte Fire and MEDIC responded to the scene, where two pedestrians were found unresponsive near the tracks. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

SEE ALSO: CMPD Probe Underway After Fatal Light Rail Train Crash

CMPD identified the pedestrians as Pablo Tiquiram Us, 29, and Jose Chilambalam Tiquiram Us, 20.

Police have launched an investigation into the deaths, but said a preliminary investigation indicated the men were walking north on the southbound tracks when they were hit by a CATS Lynx train that was pulling another train as it traveled south.

"Once the strike occurred, the operator, Tracy Renard Aaron, stopped the train," CMPD said.
"Alcohol impairment is suspected as a contributing factor for the pedestrians."

"All safety mechanisms for the CATS line at this location were in full effect and working properly," CMPD said.

Police said additional information found during the course of the investigation indicated the two had been conducting a memorial for Baltazar Tiquiram Us, who was killed in a crash with a CATS light rail train at the same location July 26.

According to a police account of the accident, Baltazar Tiquiram Us, 27, was pronounced dead at the scene. A front seat passenger in the 2017 Toyota Tundra he was driving was transported to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The Blue Line train had four passengers on board, but none were injured. A preliminary investigation indicated that the Toyota drove around the crossing arms and into the path of the train as it traveled southbound, passing East Hebron Street.

CMPD said the investigation into the Aug. 3 collision remains active and ongoing, and said that anyone who witnesses the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.