The driver of a car that went off New Kensington’s Constitution Boulevard onto railroad tracks at least 15 feet below managed to get himself out of the overturned car safely after the wreck, according to police.
New Kensington police Chief Bob Deringer said the driver, Ricky Burkett of Arnold, will not be charged in the crash that happened just after noon in the 1200 block of Constitution.
“The driver said he was very tired, driving on Constitution one minute and on the tracks the next,” the chief said.
Burkett, who is in his 60s, could not be reached for comment.
Deringer said Burkett complained of a neck injury after the crash.
New Kensington Assistant Fire Chief Ed Saliba Jr. did not know if Burkett went to a hospital for treatment, but was stunned he didn’t suffer more serious injuries.
“Amazing,” Saliba said.
Another driver almost went over the concrete retaining wall about five years ago, according to city engineer Tony Males. Rescuers managed to get the woman out of her vehicle as it teetered on the edge of the wall, he said.
New Kensington installed the wall years ago to keep Constitution from dropping onto railroad property.
