A fishing trip left a Clairton resident in critical condition Monday night, as his legs were severed at the knees in a Train Accident near Routes 837 and 51, on the banks of the Monongahela River.

Robert Borkowski, 30, of Clairton, was spotted lying on the railroad tracks in Jefferson Hills by a Norfolk Southern Railroad conductor about 10:50 p.m. The conductor was unable to stop in time to avoid hitting him.

When police arrived, according to Jefferson Hills police Sgt. William Potts, Borkowski was semi-conscious and said he was on a fishing trip with a friend. Police confirmed that he was surrounded by fishing equipment, but they were unable to locate Borkowski's friend.

He was taken by medical helicopter to UPMC Presbyterian in Oakland.

The train was traveling from the Conway Rail Yard in Beaver County to the Shire Oak Rail Yard in Washington County.

According to Jefferson Hills police, Borkowski was fishing in the river, though he did not say why he was lying on the tracks. Potts does no expect foul play to be involved in the incident.

The investigation has been taken over by Allegheny County Homicide, who is currently running toxicology tests to determine if drugs or alcohol played a part in the incident.

Potts said that all cases with fatalities or near fatalities are handed to the homicide unit for further investigation.

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