Driver of car killed after struck by Amtrak train from Chicago

DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The driver of a car struck by an Amtrak train near Lansing was killed, and investigators on Friday were trying to piece together what led to the crash.

Reportedly, no one on the train was injured in the Thursday night crash, and investigators believe the driver of the car was alone, Delta Township Fire Chief John Clark said.

The train was travelling from Chicago to Port Huron with about 145 passengers when it struck the vehicle shortly after 9:10 p.m., authorities said. Amtrak spokeswoman Christina Leeds said Friday that the passengers left the scene on buses. Some were headed to nearby East Lansing.

The train rammed into the driver’s side of the car, which was left crumpled against the front of the engine. Authorities hadn’t publicly identified the driver.

Lee Stone of Aurora, was in the back of the train and traveling to East Lansing. He told the Lansing State Journal that he knew something was wrong, because: “The train was slowing down way too fast to be coming up on any station.”

Alexis Mayorga, 20, of Chicago was traveling to visit a Michigan State University student, and said she had fallen asleep and awoke to notice the train had stopped. She said she didn’t initially think that it was anything more than a temporary delay.

“Kind of a shock,” she told the newspaper. “I was just hoping everyone was OK.”

There are gates and flashing lights at the crossing to warn motorists of passing trains, and the Eaton County sheriff’s department was investigating the crash. A message seeking additional information was left Friday with the department.