3 killed when a train strikes a van crossing tracks in Virginia

[mahatmakanejeeves]

3 killed when a train strikes a van crossing tracks in Virginia

The Associated Press
August 14, 2024, 4:30 AM

STUARTS DRAFT, Va. (AP) — Three people were killed and a fourth was seriously injured when a train struck a van, according to Virginia State Police. … A Ford Transit van was traveling on a private drive in Stuarts Draft in Augusta County around 8 p.m. Monday when it crossed the tracks and was struck by a northbound train, causing the van to roll over, police said in a news release.

Two men and a woman were ejected from the van and died at the scene, police said. They were identified as Abner Comete, 48, of Boynton Beach, Florida; Jacner Comete, 44, of Lauderhill, Florida; and Wilda Comete, 38, of Lithia Springs, Georgia. Abner Comete is believed to be the driver of the van, police said.

Another woman, a front seat passenger, was taken to a hospital with injuries that were considered serious but not life-threatening, police said.

Sgt. C.J. Aikens of the Virginia State Police said the van was leaving a solar project site when a Norfolk Southern train headed north toward Waynesboro from Stuarts Draft struck the driver’s side, The News Virginian reported. A preliminary investigation did not indicate that the van broke down at the time of the crash, Aikens said.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

[underpants]

1. Tragic

I know someone who lives in Stuart’s Draft.

I also know someone who retired from NS. He is still haunted by tragic events like this. He didn’t like talking about it but once told me that if you’re in the train long enough it’s going to happen. Nothing you can do about it either. He said he saw cars barely get by a couple of times.

[twodogsbarking]

2. Camped near there years ago. A beautiful area. Condolences.