A 57-year-old Pevely woman was seriously hurt April 6 after crashing into a passing train in Crystal City. The accident happened about 10 p.m. at First Street and Mississippi Avenue, Crystal City Police Chief Chad Helms said.
“Upon arrival, our officers found a crashed vehicle near the railroad tracks which had obviously struck a passing train,” he said.
Helms said there was no railroad crossing where the woman hit the train.
She was driving a black 2003 Pontiac Vibe, and she was alone in the car, Helms reported.
“The subject was found to be conscious and alert. Emergency personnel were able to safely remove the subject from the vehicle and she was then transported to St. Anthony’s Medical Center (in south St. Louis County) for treatment of serious injuries,” Helms reported.
The Vibe was extensively damaged, he said.
Operators of the southbound Burlington Northern train were not aware the train had been struck and did not stop when the crash happened, Helms said.
“Our police dispatcher contacted the train dispatcher and they were able to contact the train and tell them what had happened, and the train stopped a short distance south of the accident. They did not know the car had hit them,” Helms reported.
He said he did not know if there was any damage to the train, but no one on the train was injured.
Helms said police do not have all the information they need to tell what happened in the crash.
“We are still investigating the incident, but at this time it appears that alcohol played a role in this crash,” Helms reported.
The woman was wearing seat belt, he said.