Police investigating train crash after car is driven, abandoned on Ashland tracks

Police said the car was driving westbound when the driver proceeded through the railroad crossing, even though the crossing arm poles were coming down. The driver then got out of the car, and casually walked away from it before the train, traveling southbound, smashed into the vehicle. (Photo Courtesy of Mike Cyr, Virtual Railfan)

by: Kassidy Hammond

Posted: Jan 16, 2023 / 08:22 AM EST

Updated: Jan 16, 2023 / 10:57 AM EST

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC ) — The Ashland Police Department is investigating an incident in which a train hit a car after it was driven onto the tracks and abandoned by the driver.

The crash occurred in the early morning hours on Sunday, Jan. 15. Ashland Police said officers responded to the railroad tracks at the intersection of England Street and Railroad Avenue around 3:30 a.m. for the report of a crash involving a train and a car.

Police said the car was driving westbound when the driver proceeded through the railroad crossing and drove underneath of the crossing arm pole that was coming down. The driver then got out of the car, and casually walked away from it before the train, traveling southbound, smashed into the vehicle.