Related: • Big rig hit by train in Cheswick, bounced into apartment wall • 2 hurt when train strikes van in Cheswick The lawsuit alleges Norfolk Southern did nothing to improve the safety of the crossing despite concerns from the Cheswick community, government officials and an "obvious risk to human life." The complaint claims Howell's death would have been prevented if Norfolk installed safety warning lights, a gate, crossing arms and proper signage to identify Blockdale Crossing as an active train crossing. "These safety measures would have given Mr. Howell proper notice of the oncoming train, and, therefore, would have prevented his death," the lawsuit said. The lawsuit alleges Norfolk Southern Railway and Norfolk Southern Corp. were responsible for the conduct of the train's operators, listed as defendants John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, citing their actions directly contributed to Howell's death.