Athol woman struck by train

ATHOL - An Athol woman was extricated from railroad tracks and airlifted to Kootenai Health on Tuesday morning after being struck by a slow-moving train in Athol.

Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Lt. Stu Miller said the woman, 65, was in critical condition on Tuesday.

"The deputy believes this may have been an attempted suicide," said Miller, adding that there was possible alcohol involvement based on the initial investigation. "Since it is being investigated as a suicide attempt and not a criminal act, her name will not be released."

A KCSO press release stated that the injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

The incident occurred just after 6 a.m. near Meadow Street and Highway 54 in Athol.

Once on scene, deputies found the woman under a railcar.

"Although the investigation is still in the early stages, it appears that the woman was crossing the Union Pacific tracks about a quarter of a mile north of Highway 54 when she was struck by a very slow-moving southbound train," the press release states.

An investigation continues.