Update: Female motorist killed in train accident Tuesday

Published 7:18 am Wednesday, June 12, 2019

GARYVILLE — The name of the female driver killed in a train collision Tuesday in Garyville is being withheld pending positive identification, according to Louisiana State Police.

An autopsy will be performed to determine impairment and positive identification.

Around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop B were alerted to a fatal crash involving a train on Highway 54, south of Oak Park Blvd. in Garyville.

Preliminary investigation revealed the crash occurred as the driver was traveling southbound on Highway 54 in a 2015 Toyota Camry. At the same time, a train was in motion on the tracks, and the railroad crossing arms were in the down position with audible warnings functioning.

According to State Police, the driver drove around a stopped car and through the crossing arms for unknown reasons. The Toyota Camry then ran underneath the moving train.

The driver sustained fatal injuries as a result and was pronounced deceased on scene by the St. John the Baptist Coroner’s Office. Louisiana State Police said restraint use and impairment is unknown at this time.  This crash remains under investigation.

According to Operation Lifesaver, a person or vehicle is hit by a train almost every three hours nationwide.

Troopers want to remind motorists that they should never take chances by ignoring warning signs and signals, stopping on tracks, or going around lowered gates.

“Following all laws and being aware of your surroundings at railroad crossings, as well as avoiding distractions and always driving sober, can greatly reduce your chances of being struck by a train,” State Police said.