BELLEVILLE — The father of a farm worker who was fatally struck by a train claims Union Pacific Railroad and the farm's owners failed to clear the obstructed line of sight that blocked the private road's railroad crossing.
David Matthews, as independent administrator of the Estate of Jonah Matthews, deceased, filed a complaint Feb. 25 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Glendall H. Farms LTD, Kenneth Hartman, Jr., Anita Hartman, Joann Hartman, Union Pacific Railroad and Union Pacific Corporation, alleging wrongful death.
According to the complaint, the defendants owned, leased and maintained a tract of land southwest of Fults. The land was used for farming operations with a private road used as primary access to the farm's southwest field. Matthews alleges that the private road intersects and crosses over two sets of uncontrolled railroad tracks with no arms/gates or signal lights. Matthews claims that on June 14, 2019, overgrown vegetation and materials blocked and obstructed the view for approaching trains. He claims his son, Jonah Matthews, was working for the defendants when he crossed the tracks in a tractor and was struck by a southbound train. Jonah Matthews died as a result of his injuries, the suit states.
Matthews alleges the defendants were negligent in failing to instruct his son in proper procedures for crossing the uncontrolled track. He claims the defendants also failed to put safety measures in place including regrading and redesigning the private road and clearing the overgrowth to improve the line of sight. Matthews further alleges the defendants negligently authorized and instructed its employees to utilize their cell phones while operating large farm equipment.
Matthews seeks compensation of more than $50,000 and all other proper relief. He is represented by Troy Walton and Micah Summers of Walton Telken LLC in Edwardsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 21-L-0183