An Amtrak passenger train hit a car that was out of gas and sitting on the tracks in the 8200 block of Bessemer Avenue in Cleveland just after 2 a.m. Monday.
According to Cleveland police, the driver told them he was crossing the tracks when the car ran out of gas and stopped. He was able to get out the car before the train struck the car. None of the 262 Amtrak passengers were injured.
Amtrak officials said the car damaged the train's engine. About six hours after the collision, a Norfolk Southern locomotive pulled the train away.
Amtrak train vs car on Bessemer Ave in Cleveland. Unknown injuries. pic.twitter.com/Ujt742x2x1
— Mike Vielhaber (@MVielhaber) December 28, 2015
The Amtrak train was able to stop within 150 feet of the crossing. I don’t believe there were any injuries. pic.twitter.com/FkNIzUlShq
— Mike Vielhaber (@MVielhaber) December 28, 2015
Amtrak officials said the train was traveling from Chicago to Washington D.C.
Some passengers voiced their frustration on Twitter about the lack of information from Amtrak, but company officials said it's up to the crew on board to keep passengers aware of what's going on.
Tow truck on scene. Not sure this will free the car from under the train. pic.twitter.com/gZ2g0KVgz4
— Mike Vielhaber (@MVielhaber) December 28, 2015
The tracks that the train operated on are owned by Norfolk Southern.
Car is now out from under the train. Inspection of the tracks & train need to take place before they move again. pic.twitter.com/TZf9tLrVy9
— Mike Vielhaber (@MVielhaber) December 28, 2015
Police did not say what type of charges the man may face for the crash.
Gas door open on the car…. Tow operator still working to get the car off the tracks. pic.twitter.com/3qU1YFFMZ2
— Mike Vielhaber (@MVielhaber) December 28, 2015
Car removed from train. @WEWS pic.twitter.com/X0LIybtTRT
— Sarah Phinney (@sarahephinney) December 28, 2015
