SUV collides with train

Accident at railroad crossing fuels concern

By Logan Watson

An accident Friday afternoon on Browning road has neighborhood residents concerned about their safety.

According to Gibson County Sheriff Paul Thomas, it appeared that a tan Nissan Murano, containing the driver and a young passenger, was attempting to cross over the set of train tracks on Browning Road, just South of Milan, when it was struck by an oncoming train shortly after noon.

The train made contact with the front quarter panel on the passenger’s side of the car, spinning it around in the intersection.

There were no injuries reported as a result of the collision, but the vehicle did sustain severe damage to the front end and passenger’s side, as well as a shattered windshield.

 

 

 

 

CAR VS. TRAIN – This Nissan Murano collided with a Southbound train Friday morning on Browning Road. Neither the driver nor passenger were injured, as the train was traveling at a low speed, but residents in the area are concerned about the lack of warning signs at the crossing.Sergeant Pope of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office stated that it appeared as though the driver of the vehicle failed to see the train or hear the whistle as it approached. The train was headed South toward Medina and the vehicle was headed West on Browning Road after turning off the highway when the accident occurred. According to

 

Sgt. Pope, the train was only hauling about 12 cars and the collision happened at a low speed.

Area resident Lyndsey Powers told the Mirror-Exchange that the intersection has been a point of concern in the neighborhood for some time now.

“We’ve been worried about it for a long time,” Powers said. “There are no lights, arms or stop signs at that intersection. With so many teenagers out on the road and traffic getting heavier, we’re very worried about accidents.”

Powers stated that the dangerous intersection had been brought to the attention of county officials, but no action has been taken.

DANGEROUS INTERSECTION – Residents in the area of Browning Road are concerned about this railroad crossing, stating that there are no lights, arms or stop signs to prevent deadly accidents with oncoming trains. Concerns were voiced again Friday afternoon after an SUV was struck while attempting to cross the tracks. Photo by Logan Watson.