train-vs-car-crash

Trying to Beat the Gate Results in Car Train Collision Again

train-vs-car-crash

An Amtrak train returning to Michigan from Chicago Wednesday night ended up slamming into a passenger car after the driver of that car elected to forego the gates and flashing lights in an attempt to beat the train according to Michigan State Police.

Fortunately, the driver managed to escape with only minor injuries after the passenger train hit the Cadillac at an estimated speed of 90-miles per hour.

Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers from the Niles Post responded to the collision on the tracks at the Mayflower Road crossing north of US 12 and near JD’s Truck Stop. Thecrash was reported on last night, Wednesday, October 7th at approximately 7:00 pm.

Preliminary investigations revealed the driver of the vehicle, a 2000 Cadillac El Dorado, was traveling northbound on Mayflower Rd when he attempted to drive around the stop arms, disregarding the train crossing signals and warning alarms. At the same time, the train was headed eastbound from Chicago traveling at an estimated speed of 90 miles per hour. Unable to completely brake before the collision, the train ultimately came to a stop approximately a quarter mile from the initial point of the crash.

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Emergency responders arrived on the scene and determined that the driver of the vehicle fled the scene but was later located and identified at a local hospital.  After learning the 36-year-old male driver from Berrien County only sustained minor injuries, he was issued two citations for leaving the scene of a crash and disregarding train crossing signals.

The Michigan State Police- Niles Post was assisted at the scene by Amtrak Police, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, SMCAS Ambulance and Buchanan Township Fire Department.