For the Daily Journal
A driver pulled out in front of a train, causing a crash and investigation that blocked traffic at intersections near the Edinburgh Premium Outlets on Thursday morning.
The driver, James Haddix, 47, of Columbus, suffered a minor hand injury. More serious injuries were likely avoided due to the vehicle’s airbags, said Capt. Dave Steinkoenig of the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.
The accident happened at 7 a.m. near county roads 200W and 800N, which carries cross-county traffic to and from the outlet mall. The front of the train struck the passenger side of the SUV, pushing it about 100 yards down the tracks before the vehicle rolled and came to rest on the driver’s side, Steinkoenig said.
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Steinkoenig said the train must have been at least a mile-and-a-half long because it also blocked County Road 650N.
A similar accident in November 2005 at the same intersection claimed the life of Jeffrey Martin, 19, of Edinburgh.
The railroad crossing does not have illumination, railroad lights or stop arms that may have helped prevent both accidents, Steinkoenig said.