A tragic accident occurred in North Tonawanda, a town in Niagara County near Buffalo, New York, when a northbound Amtrak train collided with a pickup truck, resulting in the death of three individuals. The incident took place just before 8 p.m., with the victims being a 69-year-old man, a 66-year-old woman, and a 6-year-old boy.
The North Tonawanda police and fire departments were quick to respond, making every effort to rescue the occupants of the vehicle. Despite their best efforts, all three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the victims have not been released by the police.
Amtrak spokesperson Olivia Irvin confirmed that none of the 21 passengers aboard the train sustained injuries in the collision. The train, which had departed from New York City, was en route to Niagara Falls when the accident occurred.
Images shared on social media by the North Tonawanda firefighter’s union depicted the aftermath of the crash. The pickup truck was reduced to a mangled wreck, with emergency personnel having to pry open the vehicle to remove the bodies.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to local media reported that the truck had become lodged between the gates at the railroad crossing and was unable to move. This is the second incident this year involving a vehicle being struck by a train in North Tonawanda.
Earlier this year, on January 16, a 2021 Hyundai Elantra was hit after coming to a full stop on the tracks at Witmer Road. The 29-year-old driver was taken to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
First responders at the scene of the recent crash were debriefed and offered counseling and mental health services, according to the firefighter’s Local 1333. Messages seeking comment were left Sunday with the North Tonawanda police and mayoral officials.