Train hits car stuck on tracks on Christmas Eve
CONGERS, N.Y. -- A violent collision between a freight train and a car was caught on camera in Rockland County on Christmas Eve. The driver told police she got confused trying to make a turn and ended up stuck on the tracks on Lake Road in Congers Sunday evening, CBS New York reports.
The driver managed to get out of the car just in time and was not injured.
Richie Donovan was a Good Samaritan who helped the driver escape. He and others were trying to move the car to safety when he says the train started to approach.
"Horns were blaring and everything," Donovan said.
He captured video from the scene on his phone, while another man got a second angle.
"This is not good! This car is about to get crushed!" Donovan said in the video.
The engineer applied the brakes but still managed to push the car about a mile down the tracks.
The driver told Clarkstown police she got confused trying to make a right-hand turn onto Rockland Avenue, which is just a few feet on the other side of the tracks.
"She said she made a wrong turn," Donovan said. "She had no idea, and I said, 'I've lived her my whole life, born and raised. This is a common occurrence.'"
Clarkstown police said it was a reminder about dangers at rail crossings.
"At night with no moonlight it's very dark, tough to see," said Clarkstown police Public Information Officer Pete Walker. "Just take a little bit more time and make sure you're making good decisions."
"I had her by the arm. I was telling her, 'Got to get away from the car,'" Donovan said. "I know she wanted her pocketbook and stuff out of the car, but in a situation like that, I think your life's a little more important than a pocketbook or cellphone."
Police said lighting at the crossing was recently improved. But the town will talk with CSX Railroad to discuss additional safety measures.
