Four young adults were killed early Monday, August 19th after their vehicle was struck by an oncoming train at railroad crossing lacking crossing arms or flashing lights. Two men, ages 20 and 21, and two women, ages 18 and 20, were killed in the crash. One survivor, Alexandra Sanchez, 20, of Fresno, was taken to Community Regional Medical Center in serious condition.
The train crash occurred around 1:45 a.m. near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Golden State Boulevard in Fresno. There are no crossing arms or warning lights at this train crossing. The Union Pacific freight train that struck the 2002 Chevy Lumina had its headlights on and was sounding its horns at the time of the collision. According to authorities, the train was traveling around 40 miles per hour. It took the 103-car train a quarter of a mile to stop.
One victim was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. Two other victims were found in the car and pronounced dead at the scene. The 20-year-old driver was taken to Community Regional Medical Center, but died from her injuries.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash. They do not believe that drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.
