HARRISBURG, N.C. — Two people have died after an Amtrak passenger train and a car collided in Harrisburg, North Carolina Monday, officials confirmed.
Amtrak's Piedmont 76 train had left Charlotte at 3:15 p.m. and was traveling east towards Raleigh when it collided with the car around 3:30 p.m.
None of the 45 passengers on-board the train were injured, officials said. The two people killed were in the passenger vehicle, which overturned and was pushed down the tracks from the impact. Both died at the scene.
The collision happened at the railroad crossing on Saddle Creek Court, which is located adjacent to Highway 49 near Saddle Creek Logistics and JHE Enterprises.
The two victims have been identified as 26-year-old Christopher Bradley and 41-year-old Charlie Caple. Officials were not able to confirm which person was driving at the time.
Officials say the vehicle was located about 100 feet from the intersection.
Based on information gathered at the scene, officials believe the vehicle went around the crossing arm in an attempt to cross before the train arrived at the crossing. However, Norfolk-Southern Police and the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office are still investigating.
After the impact, crews worked to control a gas leak from the car wreckage.
Amtrak train, car collide in Harrisburg, NC
Amtrak suspended service in the area after the incident. Service was restored after 2 hours and 20 minutes.
The Harrisburg Fire Department, Cabarrus County EMS, and the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office responded. The Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation.
Drivers were advised to seek an alternate route and avoid the area while the emergency response was on scene.
The railroad was back open three hours after the crash, and crossing arms were working at that time. Officials have not said if the crossing arms were working before the incident.
This was the second deadly incident involving trains in North Carolina Monday.
"Be cautious of your radio volume, make sure that you can hear these things because they do give off an audible signal and the arm coming down, flashing lights," David Bradshaw with Harrisburg Fire said.
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