This morbid phrase refers to a pedestrian, trespasser, or large animal that has been run over by rolling stock. Crews use this dark humor as a coping mechanism for the severe trauma of fatal strikes on the right of way. It specifically describes the physical aftermath found on the rails or under the equipment during the mandatory post-incident inspection.
Heard on the job
We were delayed three hours outside the yard because the lead motor made a track pizza out of a trespasser walking the gauge.
Insider tip
Fatal strikes are an unfortunate reality of the job, and veteran crew members often use detached, graphic slang to mentally distance themselves from the event.