Commuter Train Slams into SUV on Tracks, Killing 7 People
VALHALLA, N.Y. (AP) — Officials say a commuter train struck a vehicle on the tracks north of New York City, killing 7 people and injuring at least 12.
Metro-North Railroad spokesman Aaron Donovan says the northbound train struck a Jeep Cherokee at a railroad crossing in Valhalla on Tuesday evening. The vehicle and the front rail car caught fire.
Authorities say the impact was so forceful the electrified third rail came up and pierced the train.
The SUV's driver and six people aboard the train were killed, making this crash the railroad's deadliest.
Donovan says the railroad crossing gates had come down on top of the SUV, which was stopped on the tracks. He said the driver got out to look at the rear of the vehicle, then got back in and drove forward and was struck.
(Story by: Kiley Armstrong, The Associated Press)
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