North Carolina

NC pastor, wife killed when Amtrak train crashes into vehicle at crossing

WHITAKERS, N.C. — Authorities said a North Carolina couple was killed after their vehicle tried to cross railroad tracks ahead of an oncoming Amtrak train in rural North Carolina.

Eugene and Dorothy Lyons, who were in their 60s, were killed Sunday afternoon near Whitakers, about 70 miles east of Raleigh.

Authorities said the married couple drove their SUV around a lowered crossing arm and into the path of the passing train.

Whitakers Police Chief Darrell Cofield said police are not sure why the Dorothy Lyons drove around the crossing arm, but Cofield said a witness confirmed it. Both died at the crash scene, Cofield said.

Both victims were well known in the community and Eugene Lyons was a pastor of a church in Whitakers, according to officials.

Amtrak spokeswoman Kimberly Woods said no one aboard the southbound train was injured and service was suspended as law enforcement investigated the crash.

The train originated in New York City and was bound for Savannah, Georgia.

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