By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HARTSELLE — A 91-year-old man has died after his vehicle was struck by a train in Hartselle, according to authorities.
The collision happened around 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the railroad tracks near College Street and Chestnut Street. Officials said the driver, identified as Franklin D. Turney of Hartselle, was crossing the tracks when a northbound train struck his vehicle.
The impact pushed the car nearly 800 yards before the train came to a stop. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and Turney was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. He later died, the Morgan County Coroner’s Officeconfirmed.
Community Shock
Neighbors described Turney as a familiar face in Hartselle and expressed sorrow at his loss. The accident has also renewed concerns about safety at railroad crossings in smaller Alabama towns, where visibility is often limited.
Authorities have not released details about whether the warning lights or crossing arms were functioning at the time.
Ongoing Investigation
The Hartselle Police Department, along with railroad officials, is investigating. No additional details were available as of Friday.
Officials urged drivers to use caution around train tracks and reminded the public of the dangers of trying to cross when a train is approaching.
“Our thoughts are with the family,” one official said. “We ask drivers to stay alert at crossings to prevent tragedies like this.”