Driver killed after car struck and dragged by train in Toledo, Ohio

A driver has died following a collision between a car and a train in Toledo during the early hours of Saturday morning, police have confirmed.

The incident occurred at around 3.00am on North Detroit Avenue, in the 4000 block of the road. According to Toledo Police Department detectives, the vehicle entered a railway crossing that had been closed due to a passing train.

Investigators say the driver bypassed roadblocks that were in place and attempted to cross the tracks while the train was operating. The car was subsequently struck by the train and dragged approximately 50 feet along the tracks.

Following the impact, the vehicle caught fire. Crews from Toledo Fire and Rescue Department responded and extinguished the blaze, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s identity has not yet been released.

Police said the railway line involved is owned by Norfolk Southern. The crossing does not have flashing warning lights, however officers confirmed that road flares were active at the time. Train personnel were also reported to be using lanterns to signal that the crossing was closed.

The Lucas County Coroner was called to the scene and an investigation into the exact cause of the crash is ongoing.

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