A newly released video has captured the harrowing moment when the driver of a white SUV narrowly escaped with their life just before their vehicle was struck by a Utah Transit Authority (UTA) passenger train in Layton, Utah, last week. The dramatic footage, recorded from inside the locomotive, shows the train racing down the tracks toward a railroad crossing. As the train approached, a white SUV could be seen partially blocking the track, despite the flashing red lights and the lowered gate arm signaling the oncoming train. The train operator’s voice can be heard saying, “Oh, come on,” as the horn blasts repeatedly, urging the driver to move. Unfortunately, the train was unable to stop in time, and it slammed into the SUV with a loud thud. Seconds later, the collision sent the vehicle spinning into the gate arm and post, completely destroying the front end of the SUV. Miraculously, no one was injured in the incident.
The video also provides another perspective of the crash, this time from a nearby security camera. It shows the SUV approaching the railroad crossing as the red lights flash and the gate arm lowers. Instead of stopping before the tracks, the driver continued forward, nearly clipping the bottom of the gate arm as the vehicle crossed onto the tracks. Once on the tracks, the driver slammed on the brakes, bringing the SUV to a stop with its rear wheels still between the two rails. The driver then appeared to realize the dangerous situation and put the vehicle in reverse, attempting to back off the tracks. In the process, the SUV hit the gate arm, pushing it back before coming to a stop again, with the front wheels now blocking part of the tracks. The driver quickly exited the vehicle and walked away just moments before the train barreled into the SUV, sending debris flying.
UTA spokesperson Gavin Gustafson spoke with KSLTV in Salt Lake City about the incident, calling it a fortunate outcome that no one was injured. He acknowledged that watching the video might lead people to question the driver’s decisions, such as whether they should have pulled forward or reversed to avoid the collision. However, Gustafson emphasized that it’s important not to second-guess the driver’s actions in the heat of the moment. “I’m certainly not going to second-guess them in the heat of the moment,” he said. “And sometimes, the view might be blocked by something else, you don’t want to pull forward if there is another train coming.” Gustafson’s comments highlight the unpredictability of such situations and the potential dangers of trying to navigate railroad crossings when a train is approaching.
The collision caused significant damage, with UTA estimating the total cost of repairs to exceed $100,000. The train itself sustained substantial damage, and the gate and crossing post at the railroad crossing were also damaged. However, thanks to assistance from the city of Layton, the crossing post was repaired within 24 hours, allowing the intersection to return to normal operation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to railroad safety protocols and exercising extreme caution when approaching railroad crossings. It also underscores the potential consequences of attempting to cross tracks when warning signals indicate an oncoming train.
Gustafson did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for additional comment on the matter, but the incident has sparked broader discussions about railroad safety and the need for greater public awareness. The video footage, which has been widely shared online, has been described as a “close call” and a wake-up call for drivers to be more vigilant at railroad crossings. The fact that no one was injured, despite the severity of the collision, is a testament to the effectiveness of modern safety measures and the Split-second decisions made by both the train operator and the SUV driver.
In conclusion, this incident highlights the dangers of ignoring railroad warning signals and the critical importance of staying alert at railroad crossings. The video provides a stark visual reminder of the potential consequences of such actions, and it serves as a cautionary tale for drivers everywhere. While it is fortunate that no one was injured in this particular incident, it is a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness and education about railroad safety. As Gustafson noted, it is easy to second-guess the actions of the driver in hindsight, but the reality is that split-second decisions in high-pressure situations can have life-altering consequences. By sharing such videos and discussing the importance of railroad safety, we can all learn valuable lessons about how to stay safe on the roads and at railroad crossings.
