Courtesy Sheriff's Office
Culberson County Sheriff’s Office dispatch received several 911 calls reporting a train striking a vehicle at I-10 railroad crossing that has no crossing, west of the Plateau near mile post 156.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as 40-year-old Michelle Choate of Van Horn, and her three children. Apparently, there were lighting issues that caused the vehicle to become stuck on the tracks without being able to move quickly enough to avoid the approaching train.
At the time of the accident, no occupants were in the car, and no injuries were reported. According to the conductor of the Union Pacific locomotive, the crew made all attempts to stop the train that was traveling 70 miles per hour. The vehicle was knocked about 90 feet from the railroad crossing. The accident is being investigated by Sheriff Oscar Carrillo and deputies.
