For Immediate Release

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

One Killed in Crash Involving Train and Motor Vehicle in Great Barrington

GREAT BARRINGTON — Chief William Walsh reports that the Great Barrington Police Department is investigating a crash between a sport utility vehicle and a train that resulted in the death of the SUV driver.

Police responded to Rt. 23, also known as Maple Avenue near West Avenue at 1 p.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, police and fire officials found that a late model Jeep Liberty had been traveling westbound on Rt. 23 and approached a grade-level railroad crossing, which had its lights and arms activated, indicating an approaching train. The vehicle apparently struck one of the arms at the crossing and a northbound, 14-car freight train operated by the Housatonic Railroad Company, struck the vehicle.

The operator of the vehicle, a 76-year-old male from New York state, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Great Barrington Fire Department remains on scene as well as Great Barrington Police and state investigators. This is an active and ongoing investigation being conducted by Great Barrington Police with the assistance of the State Police Accident Reconstruction Team and State Police Crime Scene Services. Officials from Housatonic Railroad Company are also on scene and cooperating with investigators.

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