HICKORY, N.C. — One person was killed, and two others were hospitalized early Friday morning when a train struck a 2002 Cadillac DeVille at a railway crossing in Hickory.
The collision occurred around 3:30 a.m. at the 17th Street SW crossing near Main Avenue NW.
The Hickory Police Department is investigating the fatal crash. Investigators confirmed that the track crossing arms were functioning properly when the train collided with the vehicle.
Three people were inside the vehicle when the collision occurred. Emergency responders pronounced one passenger deceased at the scene.
Catawba County EMS transported the driver to a local hospital. Emergency personnel transported a second passenger to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte for treatment.
Crews from the Hickory Fire Department, Long View Fire Department and Catawba County EMS responded to the crash site alongside Hickory police officers. Authorities noted that charges are pending as the investigation remains ongoing.
“When I’m up there I just stop and wait,” said resident Mike Kenny. “I never try to go across there. But I see a lot of people try to go across there.”
“Man, I just hope everybody is OK, said resident Marco Culbreath.
Neighbors said the train traffic through Hickory has increased recently. Connor Harvey lives nearby and said he’s never had a problem at the crossing before.
“The light go on, the train usually honks right before it comes to each intersection, honestly,” he said. “Truthfully, I hope they’re alright.”
There are two investigations underway: One by Hickory Police and one by Norfolk Southern. The rail cars were empty when the wreck happened.