Aggrostats

Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to the scene of the crash shortly before 2:00 PM on Tuesday December 13, 2016. The initial investigation led crash scene investigators to determine that Williams was driving a 2001 Mazda Protege eastbound on LA 1064. As Williams approached the train crossing, the cross-arms were down and the red lights were flashing. For reasons still under investigation, Williams drove around the cross arms directly into the path of a southbound AMTRAK passenger train. The train crashed into the left side of the vehicle, pushing it nearly 125 yards south of the railroad crossing. Both Williams and Lang were severely injured in the crash. They were both pronounced deceased on-scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office. There were 68 passengers aboard the AMTRAC train at the time of the cash. None of the passengers reported any injuries. Presently, impairment is not suspected to have been a contributing factor in the crash. As part of the on-going crash investigation, blood samples were drawn from Williams. The sample will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

Considering that a motorist is almost 20 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train than in a collision involving a motor vehicle, drivers can remain safe at railroad crossings by following these safety guidelines.

Trains and cars do not mix. Never race a train to the crossing — even if you tie, you lose.

The train you see is closer and faster moving than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.

Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly. Even if the locomotive engineer sees you, a freight train moving at 55 miles per hour can take a mile or more to stop once the emergency brakes are applied.

Never drive around lowered gates — it is illegal and deadly. If you suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call the 1-800 number posted on or near the crossing signal or your local law enforcement agency.

Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing only if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Remember, the train is three feet wider than the tracks on both sides.

If your vehicle ever stalls on a track with a train coming, get out immediately and move quickly away from the tracks in the direction from which the train is coming. If you run in the same direction the train is traveling, when the train hits your car you could be injured by flying debris. Call your local law enforcement agency for assistance.

At a multiple track crossing, watch out for a second train on the other tracks, approaching from either direction.

When you need to cross train tracks, go to a designated crossing, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping. Remember it is not safe to stop closer than 15 feet from a rail.

ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Freight trains do not follow set schedules.