Driver airlifted after train-vehicle collision in Fenton

FENTON, La. (KPLC) - The driver of a vehicle that collided with a train in Fenton Wednesday morning was airlifted to a hospital for treatment, Fenton officials said.

Sgt. Vernon O’Quinn, with the Fenton Police Department, said the driver of a Toyota Corolla was traveling east on 4th Avenue at approximately 7:30am as it crossed the railroad tracks. A northbound train struck the rear of the vehicle and pushed it into a nearby ditch.

The extent of the driver’s injuries is currently unknown, O’Quinn said. He said the woman driving was conscious upon their arrival and told officials she didn’t remembered seeing or hearing the train.

“Recently, we are we are experiencing more and more of these accidents which is why we’re trying to reach out to the people who travel a lot in this area. Really pay attention to these trains. That’s all the way up and down 165, not just in Fenton,” said O’Quinn.

This is the second train crash within a week. On Monday, a pickup truck collided with a train on La. 27 north of DeQuincy.

Railroad safety advocates like special agent Jack Bartlett said it can take up to a mile for a train to make a complete stop.

“We just want to reiterate to people in reference to these crossing, some of them don’t have the blinking lights or the arms. So when you hear those horns, you may not see them, but you really really need to stop,” said O’Quinn.

He also said that drivers need to be more aware when driving over railways and take the correct safety steps.

“You need to come to a complete stop and look both ways, and make sure that the train is not approaching you.”

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