Man loses foot to train accident

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, May 2, 2001

HAHNVILLE – A Des Allemands man had a rude awakening, after sleeping off several beers on the railroad bridge, when a train arrived early Sunday morning. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg C. Champagne reported that Corey Buker, 25, of 17418 Old Spanish Trail, had been drinking beer with his brother, Craig, when the pair decided to go for a walk along the railroad tracks. Champagne said the pair fell asleep on the rail trestle Saturday at midnight, with Craig on the trestle itself and Corey laying between the rails in a fetal position. At about 3 a.m. Sunday, a train arrived and awakened Corey, who raised up slightly and sustained a severe cut on the head and the amputation of his left foot. Champagne said the victim was transported by West Jefferson Air Care to West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero, where he has since been moved out of the intensive care unit. “I never cease to be surprised,” Champagne commented on the accident.