Published: November 16, 2008 11:08 pm         

Lagro man killed by train

Kokomo man was operating the train

RICH VALLEY — An 18-year-old Lagro man was killed Saturday when he attempted to cross a railroad.

At approximately 3:10 p.m. Saturday, Austin D. Sams was driving a 1994 Dodge Spirit eastbound on Wabash Road. He turned north onto Wabash County Road 700 West and attempted to cross the railroad tracks. The Dodge was struck in the passenger side door by a westbound Norfolk Southern train, operated by John Barrett, 32, Kokomo.

Shortly after impact, the Dodge caught fire and was fully engulfed when emergency responders arrived on scene. Firefighters with the Noble Township Volunteer Fire Department extinguished the blaze.

Barrett was not injured in the crash.

The railroad crossing was equipped with properly operating flashing lights and signs. It did not have stop arms.

The train was pulling 48 cars and took approximately 1 1/2 miles to stop after hitting the Dodge.

This crash is still under investigation, but the use of alcohol or drugs is not believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.

     

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