Car stuck on snow-covered tracks struck by train.

Driver got out prior to collision and was not injured

A car stuck on a snowcovered railroad crossing was struck by a train in Richmond Township on March 15. The driver was able to get out and there were no injuries.

Fleetwood Police report that at 2:32 p.m., Michael Ortiz, 27, Reading, was driving south on Deka Road. While driving across the railroad crossing about .1 mile north of Ruth Road, his 2015 Scion TC became stuck on the snow-covered railroad track. Ortiz attempted to move his car for several minutes. As the Norfolk Southern freight train approached the crossing, Ortiz exited his car and moved away from the tracks.

The train’s engineer applied the brakes but was unable to avoid striking the car. The train’s front end struck the left side of the car.

After impact, the car traveled about 30 feet west of the crossing where it ended up facing southeast on the south side of the tracks. The train continued about 300 yards west until it could come to a stop.

Police report that there were no injuries and there was no train derailment.

All railroad crossing gates and signals were working properly and were up when Ortiz initially drove into the crossing, according to the police.

Norfolk Southern investigators responded to the scene and conducted their investigation. Norfolk Southern Police also responded to the scene to investigate.

Police report that there are no pending charges. The car was towed from the scene.

Tracks and Deka Road were closed about two and a half hours.