Andover, Massachusetts – An 84-year-old woman was hospitalized after her car was hit by a freight train at a crossing in Andover, Massachusetts on Thursday morning. While her vehicle was totaled, authorities with the MBTA Transit Police confirmed that the driver came out unscathed.
Witnesses Describe the Crash
People near the Essex Street railroad crossing reported hearing the train and crash.
Anna Barron, a nearby resident, said, “I live literally one street away, so I heard the train whistle—it was extra loud, not always like that.”
Mark Spencer, a local business owner, added, “We heard a long blast of the train and then what sounded like a door slamming, but it was obviously the car.”
Woman Trapped in Crumpled Car
First responders found the driver trapped inside the mangled car. Andover firefighters removed her, and she was flown to a Boston hospital for treatment.
According to Spencer, security footage showed the woman attempting to drive under the crossing gate as it was closing. “The car caught her on the front end and spun the car around,” he said to CBS News.
Officials explained that the driver proceeded through the warning system—bells, lights, and once beyond the threshold, the gates came down. Police noted it appeared she panicked and remained still during the incident.
Intersection Has History of Crashes
Residents say the intersection has long been a trouble spot for accidents.
Barron said, “One person got stuck before, but they got out—car hit but not them. I pay special attention when I come this way because it’s a weird area.”
Transit Police detectives are currently investigating the crash and reviewing safety measures for the intersection.
Drivers are urged to exercise caution at railroad crossings, especially at intersections with a history of accidents. Stay updated with our coverage on traffic safety, local accidents, and MBTA investigations in Massachusetts.
