A South Shore Line eastbound commuter train collided with an SUV carrying five people. The deadly crash occurred around 10 p.m. last night at the intersection of U.S. Route 20 (Highway 20) and Utah Street, near Miller Station.
Witnesses told police that the SUV attempted to go around lowered crossing gates to beat the train which resulted in a direct collision.
“If you see an active train crossing, meaning that they bells and whistles, lights are flashing, crossing gates re down…please don’t even attempt to look to see if there is an active train going,” a statement made by Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon.
Chief Cannon said all five people were ejected from the SUV and pronounced dead at the scene.
The Lake County, Indiana Coroner’s Office identified the victims as De’Mario Craig, 24, of Gary; Maurice Parrish, 20, of Gary; Sherise Parrish, 20, of Gary; Latianna King, 20, of Gary; and Bryon Towns, 21, of Gary.
No injuries were reported among the train’s passengers or crew. Service on the South Shore Line was suspended overnight, but resumed Thursday morning.
The South Shore Line released a statement saying, “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic incident.
“We remind everyone to never attempt to cross railroad tracks when signals are activated, and to always expect a train on any track from any direction at any time.
“South Shore Line services were temporarily suspended following the incident, but normal operations have since resumed. We will continue to cooperate fully with local authorities during their ongoing investigation.”
There are no further details at this time.
