An unoccupied vehicle stuck on the railroad tracks in Ruston was struck by a train Saturday night.
Lieutenant Kayla Loyd, public information officer for the Ruston Police Department, said a woman reported her vehicle was stuck on the railroad tracks at the crossing on La. Highway 818 at 2:58 a.m. on May 25.
The caller was safely out of the Nissan Altima and standing clear of the tracks at time of the call.
Loyd said as RPD attempted to notify Kansas City Southern Railway to halt any oncoming train traffic, a train passed through the city and struck the unoccupied car. The caller later estimated it was less than five minutes from the time the vehicle became stuck to the impact with the train. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
In the past, large trucks have become stuck at the La. 818 crossing because of the steep grade of the roadway, but Loyd said she had never heard of an automobile getting stuck there.
Loyd said if your vehicle becomes stuck at a railroad crossing, follow these safety steps:
1. Exit the vehicle immediately and walk away from the tracks.
2. Call 911 immediately so the local police department can notify the railroad company and stop any oncoming trains.
3. For other railroad emergencies in Lincoln Parish, contact Kansas City Southern directly at 1-877-527-9464.
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