Reserve man survives collision with train
Published 12:00 am Monday, November 6, 2006
By KERI CHAMPION
Staff Reporter
LAPLACE-A train struck a vehicle driven by a Reserve man yesterday at the intersection of Eagle and Cardinal in LaPlace.
The vehicle, a 2005 Chevy Monte Carlo, driven by Ronald Dunn Jr., was in the path of train at the railroad intersection when it was struck.
Lt. Troy Cassioppi, commander of the traffic division for St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office said, ”The Monte Carlo was traveling southbound on Cardinal St. and as he approached the crossing, he failed to yield to the oncoming train when the train subsequently struck the front of the vehicle.”
Cassioppi said the train was going southbound towards New Orleans when the collision occurred and speed was not a factor in the crash.
“The crossing is marked is marked by both a crossbux and stop sign and the horn was blowing as the train was approaching,” he said.
When the car was hit, it was thrown from the road and onto the grass near the railroad crossing.
Dunn was transported by Acadian Ambulance to River Parishes Hospital and was treated for minor injuries.
Residents in the area were concerned and said that this is the second train collision this week. Cassioppi confirmed that another wreck occurred at the Pine St. intersection of the Canadian Railroad on Sunday.
Dunn will be cited for failure to yield at a railroad crossing, and Nicholas Sylvestri will continue his investigation.