Another car hit by train in Newark

[Tralee]

On Thursday, February 23, at 4:09 a.m., a passenger car was driven onto the CSX railroad tracks near the intersection of West Main Street and New London Road, Newark. The car’s driver was northbound on New London Road, but the driver who was unfamiliar with the area, turned left onto the train tracks causing the vehicle to become stuck on the tracks.
Two passers-by noticed the car stuck on the tracks and stopped to assist. The two passers-by approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver, who was still seated in the vehicle, and the passenger, who was attempting to push the vehicle from the tracks. The two passers-by attempted to assist the driver free the vehicle when the train gates activated and they heard the sound of the approaching train. The passers-by told the driver to get out of the car; however she continued to try to free the vehicle. The passers-by then pulled the driver from the vehicle and ushered her to safety. Shortly thereafter, a westbound CSX train entered the crossing and struck the car. The car was pushed several hundred feet before being thrown from the tracks and coming to rest. The train came to a stop shortly thereafter.
No one was injured. The driver of the vehicle was not intoxicated. CSX train traffic was halted and the roadway at the train crossing was closed for approximately two and half hours while the crash was investigated. The investigation is still pending and no charges have been filed at this time.





http://www.newarkpostonline.com/news/article_a81db830-5e51-11e1-96ad-0019bb2963f4.html

I looked on line and this seems to happen fairly often. I lived in Newark but can't figure out what the problem could be.

[Brainstorm]

This item got picked up by the national news too... probably cuz the video was so startling. I think both incidents occurred in the wee hours but today's report on HLN made a point that both women were sober in this case-- but the driver was so reluctant to leave the car that she was within seconds of causing her death. I wonder why the poor girl was that freaked about losing her vehicle.

I wonder how good the lighting is at that spot-- seems the trouble starts with folks thinking they're making a regular turn and winding up with their wheels stuck in the tracks.

[Robb]

On NBC10 last night they had interviewed a guy from the store near there and he has videos of all the train/car wrecks from the last few years. He blamed it on the way the roadway is and recommended they install a barrier to prevent cars from driving on the tracks.

[Crabby]

Without permanently closing that little cross street that sits next to the track between Main and New London there is nothing to be done.Several times a year someone misses the street and drives onto that busy track.I'm going to be talking to our traffic police officer on Monday about some kid of color or reflector distingushment.

[Robb]

I'm not familiar with this but are they getting caught in the space with the arrow?

If thats all it is, why don't they just pave it in like the road so that it doesn't catch people. It seems like an easy solution.

[Crabby]

Drivers get stuck on the track to the the left or the right of your arrow, they don't make it as far as that space. People get their undercarriage stuck almost immediately after making the turn onto the track.

[Grin]

It wouldn't cost much to pave that whole area. Looks like @ 300 sq. ft.

[Bellicose]

Had no clue where this was until the pic from Robb. Still am not 100% I am correct, but is this just past UD, heading to the Fairhill area of MD? Think if you go right coming from UD, you go head into PA, where there are some entrances for White Clay. Forget the name of the road but, we got our Chocolate from just over the PA line. hope I am right, so I can say I know where this is, without actually asking....lol

IS pretty crazy that she would not leave the car. I would have nailed on that thing the minute the lights came on for the train.

[motherof3]

Had no clue where this was until the pic from Robb. Still am not 100% I am correct, but is this just past UD, heading to the Fair hill area of MD? Think if you go right coming from UD, you go head into PA, where there are some entrances for White Clay. Forget the name of the road but, we got our Chocolate from just over the PA line. hope I am right, so I can say I know where this is, without actually asking....lol

IS pretty crazy that she would not leave the car. I would have nailed on that thing the minute the lights came on for the train.

This is at the end of Main Street past Deer Park. If you stay to the far right when you make the (right hand turn from Main St) turn it will take you onto 896 and past White Clay Creek entrances into PA. If you stay to the left of the fork in the road at the turn it takes you onto 273 and into Fairhill, MD. This section of the road/tracks has been a problem for a long time.

[Bellicose]

This is at the end of Main Street past Deer Park. If you stay to the far right when you make the (right hand turn from Main St) turn it will take you onto 896 and past White Clay Creek entrances into PA. If you stay to the left of the fork in the road at the turn it takes you onto 273 and into Fairhill, MD. This section of the road/tracks has been a problem for a long time.

Ha, I know where it is! Alright, another pace I know, and even know how to get to......lol Thanks!

[Pramick]

Scary. Newark & I have never been friendly since I am from Wilm where most streets are straight and all the ones in Newark seem to curve. I guess I confuse easily. lol Been to that intersection only because someone else was driving and it seems a little dangerous to me also.

[Crabby]

The right hand side going north is 896, also known as New London Road, goes past me and on past White Clay Creek Park into PA.The left piece is West Main Street, also known as 273 and on into Maryland, We go to Wesley's up there occasionally for their seafood buffet and to Fair Hill for the Scottish Games in the spring. Pretty drive up there. Since the track is owned by the railroad, we can't pave it and they don't see the need.