63-Year-Old Woman Dies, Grandson Injured After Car Hit By Light Rail Train

GLEN BURNIE, Md. (WJZ) -- A woman has died after her car was struck by a light rail train in Ferndale.

Captain Russ Davies with Anne Arundel County Fire confirms to WJZ that first responders were called to the area of Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard and South Broadview Avenue around 10:32 a.m.

No one on the train was injured, but two passengers in the vehicle were.

The 63-year-old woman was taken to Baltimore Washington Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. She has been identified as Denise Lorraine Thomas, of Lewes, Delaware.

Her passenger, her 12-year-old grandson, was taken to Hopkins Pediatric with minor injuries.

Investigators say Thomas was headed northbound on Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard when she attempted to turn left across the tracks, despite "Do Not Enter" and "No Left Turn" signs.

Witnesses say the rail crossing lights were activated and the stop arm was down on the far side of the tracks facing the one-way traffic on South Broadview Avenue. There was no stop arm on the Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard side since there should be no traffic from that side.

Light rail passenger Russell Vanscyoc heard the operator blasting the train's horn to warn the driver not to cross the tracks.

"As the train was coming up, the arms were lowering down. I have yet to figure out if she noticed them," Vanscyoc said.

People living and working nearby say it's not uncommon for drivers to ignore the oncoming trains.

"I heard the bang and I heard it drag something and I knew it was the light rail that hit something," said witness Kathy Finnerin. "She didn't pay attention a lot of people don't pay attention I believe."

"People don't respect the trains, they think they can stop on a dime. If they hit you they can kill you," witness Robert Krogman said.

Investigators are now trying to determine why the driver made the turn that led to the fatal collision.

"Checking surveillance cameras from train and local businesses and houses," said Lt. Ryan Frashure of Anne Arundel County police.

Drugs or alcohol are not believed to be contributing factors to the crash.

The Traffic Safety Section is handing the investigation and was assisted by the Maryland Transit Administration Police.

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