Crime & Safety

Update: Police Say Driver Improperly Stopped Car Before Train Struck

Wreck blocked traffic on Friday afternoon.

Update: There were a lot of unanswered questions after the train-car collision Friday afternoon. Patch asked the Decatur Police Department for more information and this is what we were told Tuesday:

Vehicle 1 was traveling south, in the curb lane, within the 100 block of North McDonough Street.  Vehicle 1 failed to properly stop for the traffic light at the intersection of North McDonough Street and South McDonough Street, stopping on the railroad tracks.  Vehicle 2 was traveling west, on the railroad tracks.  Vehicle 2 struck vehicle 1 in the rear fender on the driver's side.  Vehicle 1 sustained extensive damage to the rear end of the vehicle.  Vehicle 2 sustained slight damage to the front cow guard.  Driver 1 did not complain of injury but was transported to Atlanta Medical Center by Rural Metro 3.  Passenger 1 complained of stomach pain and was transported to Egleston Children's hospital by DeKalb Fire/Rescue 3.  Driver and passenger 2 reported no injuries.

We'll try to find out more.

Find out what's happening in Decatur-Avondale Estateswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The previous story:

A 76-year-old man was taken to the hospital after a train struck a car during Friday afternoon rush hour at the South McDonough-Howard Avenue crossing near Agnes Scott College.

Find out what's happening in Decatur-Avondale Estateswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

His name and condition were not available Friday night. Decatur Fire Marshal Stephanie Burton said the injuries did not appear to be serious.

The Decatur police issued this statement:

The Decatur Police Department is investigating a traffic accident involving a passenger vehicle and a train. The collision occurred on the South McDonough railroad crossing.  The train struck the rear portion of the motor vehicle. 

The driver of the vehicle, a 76 year old male was transported to a local hospital due to a complaint of injury.  The driver was examined on scene by members of the Decatur Fire Department.  A female juvenile passenger of the vehicle was not injured.  


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