Car smashes into train in Gilbert, driver killed

PHOENIX — One person was killed early Wednesday in Gilbert when a car smashed into the side of a train.

Sgt. Darrell Kruger said witnesses told police the car was headed south on Val Vista Road between Ray and Warner roads when the lights at the railroad crossing began to flash. The driver kept going, they said.

The train reached the same spot on the track as the car, they collided, the car rolled over and burst into flames.

🚧🚔 Val Vista Road closed b/w Ray and Warner due to a car striking a moving train. One person is deceased. Val Vista Road expected to be closed for the next few hours. No other intersections impacted by this collision.

— Gilbert Police Dept. (@GilbertPolice) January 24, 2018

1 car vs train at Val Vista/railroad tracks, 1 victim trapped in car on fire deceased on scene. GPD continuing investigation. VV road closed

— Gilbert Fire Rescue (@GilbertFireDept) January 24, 2018

“It was a significant fire after the collision,” Kruger said. The flames were so intense that afterward authorities at the scene couldn’t determine the driver’s gender.

The intersection was expected to remain closed through the morning rush hour.

No other details were immediately available.

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