Woman killed by train at Black Forest has been remembered as caring animal lover

A woman killed by a train with her beloved dog near Clarence Park station has been revealed as a much-loved local resident who lived just metres from the accident scene.

The victim of Tuesday’s train accident at Black Forest has been described by a neighbour as a caring animal lover and member of a loyal Clarence Park community.

Becki Townsend Gun was on her daily walk with her dog, an elkhound named Floyd, when the pair were struck and killed on a pedestrian crossing by an oncoming train, according to 7NEWS.

The accident occurred around 1pm, just south of the Clarence Park station.

Emergency services were called to Cowper Rd just before 1pm on Tuesday to reports a person had been hit by a passing train.

It was reported Ms Townsend Gun lived only metres from where the accident occurred and neighbours first on the scene where some of the victim’s closest friends.

Becki Townsend Gun was on her daily walk with her dog when hit by a train at Clarence Park on Tuesday. Picture: Facebook

Neighbour of 20 years Annie Wawryk said Ms Townsend Gun was a loved member of the community.

“She was a really lovely person and she really cared about others,” Ms Wawryk said.

“You often find yourself thinking the train has gone past, I can go and then all of a sudden there is another train.

“It seems unfair that she go in this way.”

Police are investigating witness reports that Ms Townsend Gun was trying to move the elkhound off the line and suddenly stepped in front of the train.

“The driver blew the horn quite a bit and then we heard two loud thumps,” the witness told 7NEWS.

Passengers on the train also reported loud honking and large jolts.

The Seaford and Flinders lines were shut down, but reopened shortly after 4pm.

It was later revealed, Ms Townsend Gun had herself and one of her other dogs commemorated on a local Stobie pole only a few years ago.

Stobie pole with painting of Ms Townsend Gun and one of her dogs. Picture: 7NEWS

A woman struck and killed by a train while trying to save her dog at Clarence Park is being remembered as a much-loved and caring neighbour. The 63-year-old walked her pet elkhound daily in the area. Tributes in 7NEWS Adelaide at 4pm and 6pm | https://t.co/RboBMGFjXU#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/R4X93Rz5a4

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) September 14, 2022

Buses and taxis were sent to collect passengers, who said they were left waiting for at least an hour after the incident.

Witness Isabella Conner, 18 was on a train travelling towards Seaford when she was notified of the incident over a loud speaker.

“We were told to wait on the train when we arrived at the station,” Ms Conner said.

“An hour or so passed before we were told the train was terminated.”

Police on the rail line at Black Forest after a pedestrian was killed.

Passengers waiting for new transport to arrive.

The National Rail Safety Regulator confirmed initial assessments reveal there are no safety issues at the crossing.

However, 9News reported local residents told police they want to see an upgrade to the busy crossing.

Premier Peter Malinauskas also addressed the accident on Wednesday.

“Whenever there is an accident of this nature, the circumstances of it will be closely examined to work out if anything can be done in the future to prevent it, that is reasonable,” Mr Malinauskas said.

#Breaking: Emergency services are responding to the scene of an incident involving a train and pedestrian at Black Forest.

Police were called to Cowper Terrace, Black Forest, at 1pm after a person was struck by a passing train. pic.twitter.com/SqoRM7D5av

— 10 News First Adelaide (@10NewsFirstAdl) September 13, 2022

The woman is the third person this year to die after being struck by passenger trains in South Australia.

In June, a 64-year-old male cyclist collided with a train while crossing the tracks at North Adelaide.

The man from West Lakes Shore was riding his bike when he was struck on the Gawler line.

He was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital where he underwent surgery, but died from his injuries more than a month later.

It was later found the automatic safety gates and signal lights were not activated at the time of the collision.

It follows another incident in May when a 62-year-old woman was hit by a train at a western suburbs station.

The woman from Pennington was struck near the Alberton station and died at the scene.

She reportedly used a pedestrian crossing, but didn’t see the train coming.

A witness told The Advertiser passengers on the train saw the accident unfold and were offered counselling following the incident.