Update on EC Train Vs Vehicle Accident
On 01/01/2020 at approximately 11:31 AM East Chicago officers were dispatched to Chicago Avenue and Euclid Avenue in reference to a vehicle vs. train accident, Deputy Chief Jose Rivera stated. The vehicle, a 4 door blue 2018 Nissan Sentra had extensive damage to the passenger side. The driver of the vehicle was 76 year old Frank L. Smith of East Chicago Indiana. The official cause of the accident is still being investigated by our traffic division, Rivera said. A preliminary investigation indicates that the speed of the train was approximately 20 m.p.h. with 69 cars attached. All the bells, horns and headlights on the train were operational. The signals, signs, lights and crossing gates were also visible and in working order. The railroad tracks and the train are owned by CSX, Rivera said in a release Thursday.
The driver had to be extricated from his vehicle by the East Chicago Fire Department. He was then air lifted to the University of Chicago where he underwent surgery for his injuries. He is currently listed in serious but stable condition. Based on our preliminary investigation it appears the driver might have suffered a medical condition while operating his vehicle, causing him to swerve in traffic and drive through the railroad gates. More information will be forthcoming once the investigation is completed by our traffic division, Rivera stated.
