1 dead after train hits car in Lexington, police say. Train company investigating
One person was killed when a train hit a vehicle stopped on the railroad tracks in the area of Greendale and Spurr Roads in Lexington, according to police.
David LeJaun Hockaday, 37, died of multiple blunt force trauma, according to the Fayette County Coroner’s Office, The manner of death was still under investigation, according to the coroner’s report.
Police were called to the scene, not far from Masterson Station subdivision, around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Lt. Jeremy Tuttle said. They found Hockaday in the vehicle, he said.
Police didn’t know why the vehicle was on the tracks, police spokeswoman Brenna Angel said.
Norfolk Southern was investigating the incident with assistance from local authorities, said Jeff DeGraff, a spokesman for the company. The crew on the train didn’t sustain any injuries, he said. The crossing where the incident happened is equipped with warning lights and gate arms, DeGraff said.
The train which hit the man’s sedan was traveling from Loudon, Tenn., to Milmine, Ill., DeGraff said. The long train had multiple locomotives, he said.
“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the driver,” DeGraff said. “These incidents are very difficult for the community and our train crews. That is why Norfolk Southern stresses the importance of driver safety on and around all railroad tracks.”
This story was originally published September 8, 2020 at 8:03 AM.
CORRECTION: The type of vehicle the victim was in was misidentified by a police officer in a previous version of this story.