Two people are lucky to be alive after their car was struck by an Amtrak train. The accident happened around 5:25 AM Wednesday at the Ricks Road rail crossing in Selma.
Selma Police said a driver attempted to maneuver through the crossing arms that were in the down position but was struck by the locomotive of the Amtrak train. The impact severed the rear portion of the vehicle, which landed 150 feet from impact.
The driver of the car, Tyree Elijah Blackwell, 28, of Wood Street, Selma and a passenger, Christopher Wayne Jackson, 32, of North Green Street, were not injured.
Blackwell was cited for driving while impaired, possession of an open container, and failure to stop for a railroad crossing arm by Sgt. D.J. Neilsen. Blackwell was given a $1,500 bond pending an April 18th court appearance.
Police said the train was traveling at 20 MPH at the time of impact. It took the train more than 2,600 feet to come to a complete stop.
A total of 218 people were on board the train. No one was injured.
