1 person dead after vehicle collides with train in Sutersville

One person died Wednesday morning in a crash between a vehicle and CSX train in Sutersville, railroad officials said.

The collision occurred at 10:35 a.m. near Second Avenue and Fourth Street, according to the Westmoreland County dispatcher. The Westmoreland County coroner, who was called to the scene shortly after the incident occurred, identified the person killed as 76-year-old Mary A. Keegen of Sewickley Township.

According to a coroner’s report, the train was traveling west as it went through the Fourth Street intersection. As it approached the crossing, the train initiated its brakes and horn.

Keegen was sitting in a Toyota Sienna at the intersection where the crossing signal was flashing. State police said she attempted to make a left turn onto Fourth Street while the lights were still flashing. The train hit the driver’s side door and Keegen’s minivan was dragged about 50 feet into a utility pole, troopers said.

The train struck the vehicle on the tracks, according to CSX spokeswoman Cindy Schild. Troopers said the minivan was dislodged from the train when it hit the utility pole and was thrown 100 feet into two parked cars.

Keegen’s cause of death was multiple blunt force trauma. It was ruled accidental.

No railroad crew members were injured.

“CSX extends its deepest sympathies to everyone impacted by this tragic incident, and we will work on scene to support local law enforcement as they investigate,” Schild said in a statement.

Officials have paused traffic on the track where the collision occurred. Traffic is moving at restricted speeds on the other track.

McCauley Funeral Home in West Newton is handling arrangements.