Authorities reported on Thursday that three individuals were killed after a freight train struck a car that was attempting to cross railroad tracks north of Salem, Oregon.
The automobile, a 2002 Honda, was carrying four passengers when it was struck by the freight train on Wednesday, according to a news release from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities stated that they thought the driver disobeyed a traffic control device before the collision.
According to the sheriff’s office, three of the four occupants were slain.
The three fatalities have been identified by the sheriff’s office as being Jesus Carrera Avendano, 22, Francisco Lopez, 33, and the car’s driver, Catarino Hernandez Guzman, 31. The passenger who made it out was named 26-year-old Anselmo Caballero Herrera.
The Honda was moving west on a farm access path when it attempted to cross the railroad tracks, according to an inquiry.
According to the sheriff’s office, “The farm road was controlled by stop signs, yet it appears from the investigation that the Honda ignored the traffic control device.” It also stated that there was no evidence that either drinking or drugs were a contributing influence.
According to the sheriff’s office, the families of the crash victims did not want to speak to the media.
Authorities advised people to use caution whenever they come across a railroad crossing, including being ready to wait until it is safe to move forward.
“Slow down, turn around, listen, and hone your senses. Recognize the warning signals and devices. “Never race the train,” it said, and “make sure you have enough space on the other line of the tracks for your vehicle to cross safely.”