Sonja Celius Injured in Phoenix Train Accident

Sonja Celius Critically Injured in Phoenix Train Accident Near 27^th Avenue and Thomas Road

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (May 11, 2026) – A mother of three identified as Sonja Celius was seriously injured after being hit by a train near the intersection of 27th Avenue and Thomas Road.

Maricopa County officials are saying that the accident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Police officers received reports about a woman who was struck by a train and sustained life-altering injuries.

Authorities and paramedics arrived at the scene and discovered that Sonja Celius was in critical condition. The force of the impact caused extreme damage to both of her legs. Both legs were later amputated by doctors.

Her daughter Kayla said that her mother faces a long and painful road to recovery. Sonja Celius is a mother of three, and her youngest child is 16.

The rail crossing where the accident took place has been the site of a number of other incidents. It has also been listed by the city of Phoenix to receive safety improvements.

In particular, state rail safety studies have indicated that the corridor is high risk. They have also outlined engineering and signal changes that could help reduce other accidents.

You can help support the family of the victim through GoFundMe. According to the online fundraiser, “Hi, my name is Kayla and I am the oldest daughter of Sonja Celius. On Saturday, April 25th, she was in a horrific accident, struck by a train, and has lost both of her lower limbs. She is currently being hospitalized in Phoenix, AZ, and all three of her children live out of state. This GoFundMe is to support our travel expenses, our mother’s care, and most importantly, to provide any and all support for her youngest son who is still 16, providing him stability in these crucial years of his life and development.”

Liability for Phoenix Train Accidents

Train operators have a legal obligation to use caution to avoid colliding with any pedestrian on the tracks. According to 49 C.F.R. § 240.305(a)(2), train conductors must not operate “a locomotive or train at a speed which exceeds the maximum authorized limit by at least 10 miles per hour.” They must also operate their locomotive by strictly adhering to procedures for the safe use of engine brakes. There are multiple ways that a train operator may have acted negligently prior to hitting a pedestrian.

• Speed: A train operator may have been traveling at an unsafe speed given the prevailing weather conditions or site location.
• Horn: A train operator may have failed to use their horn to alert a pedestrian that they are coming.
• Brakes: A train operator may fail to use their brakes in a timely manner to avoid colliding with a pedestrian.
• Scanning: A train operator may fail to scan the tracks ahead of them before pedestrians or other hazards.

If a train operator fails to slow down to avoid colliding with any pedestrian on a set of tracks, this could serve as evidence of negligence. Train operators have a legal obligation to use caution to avoid any pedestrian on train tracks. This is true even if a pedestrian is standing still in a set of train tracks for whatever reason. Liability for a train accident could extend beyond any one specific train operator. The employer or railroad that they worked for could also be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers can be vicariously liable for the negligent conduct of their workers who are operating within the course and scope of their job duties.

Railroad Liability for Phoenix Train Accidents

Far too many pedestrians are seriously injured or killed every year in preventable train accidents. According to the National Safety Council, “Railroad deaths totaled 954 in 2024, a 1% decrease from the 2023 revised total of 967. Nonfatal injuries totaled 6,542, a 3% decrease from the 2023 revised total of 6,768.” There could be multiple sources of liability for any train accident in addition to the train conductor. In particular, the railroad or municipal entity responsible for safety at a train crossing could be liable. There are a number of ways that a train crossing may have been in a dangerous condition.

• Obstructed Sight Distance: A railroad crossing may have overgrown vegetation, buildings, or other obstacles that prevent a train from having a clear line of sight.
• Malfunctioning Gates: A railroad crossing may have defective gates that failed to close or alert pedestrians of an oncoming train.
• No Pedestrian Gates: A railroad crossing may have no crossing gates. This can be particularly dangerous in high-traffic areas as cities continue to grow.
• Confusing Crossing: A railroad crossing may be confusing due to long crossing distances that can block the site of another train.

When a railroad owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition on their premises, they must take action. Failing to take action to correct a dangerous condition at a railroad crossing could be construed as negligence. The family of any person that died in a train accident at a dangerous railroad crossing may be able to pursue some measure of accountability and transparency through a wrongful death claim. It is vital that all of the evidence related to prior incidents at any railroad crossing be thoroughly investigated.

Investigating Phoenix Train Accidents

We at The Law Offices of John Phebus extend our best wishes to Sonja Celius and her family as she continues to recover. Any person with more information about what happens should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to prevent additional incidents at this particular crossing. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. How many other pedestrians have been injured at this location? What safety defects may have contributed to the accident?

Do you need more information about a Phoenix train accident? Our team of train accident investigators is here for you. We are committed to helping victims understand their rights.  Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the unique circumstances of any accident, we are here to serve your needs. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (623) 267-9283.