Car bypassed light rail crossing arm before colliding with train, officials say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A car bypassed a light rail crossing arm before colliding with a train Thursday afternoon in southwest Charlotte, according to officials.

The crash happened around 12:20 p.m. on the light rail tracks at Sweden Road and South Boulevard.

Charlotte Area Transit System officials told Channel 9 the driver, 62-year-old Ernal Dean Fulp, went around a light rail crossing arm and was hit by an oncoming train. Fulp was taken to a hospital but is expected to be OK.

The train had nine passengers on it at the time of the crash, but no one was hurt, officials said.

Police said Fulp was cited with reckless driving and failure to stop at a railroad crossing.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the scene and could see about a dozen first responders working to pull the driver from the car, which had heavy front-end damage.

Southbound South Boulevard was closed at Sharon Lakes Drive as police investigated. According to CATS, a bus bridge was put in place between Arrowood and Sharon Road West stations.

Channel 9 talked to a passenger who was on the train when the crash happened.

“I got my headphones on and next thing you know, boom, I’m like what’s going on,” the passenger said.

Kevin Goodchild works nearby and said he sees too many people trying to rush through crossings when a train is coming.

“About once every week or two I see people trying not to stop at the stop sign and swing around there or when the light is blinking they hurry up and shoot through there,” he said. “It’s just frustrating and sad to see this.”

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

CMPD: ATV rider passed car, light rail crossing arms before being struck by train CMPD: ATV rider passed car, light rail crossing arms before being struck by train

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