UPDATE: Investigators are releasing video footage of the crash which is attached to this news release. They are searching for additional witnesses to this crash. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Agent Steve Chinn with the Traffic Investigations Section at 303.739. 6342.
VIDEO FOOTAGE:
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Information previously released on February 14th, 2017 at 6:10PM.
UPDATE: Investigators have reviewed surveillance video at the railroad crossing. The videos show that the driver of the van pulls into the railroad crossing area and stops prior to the crossing gates being activated by the approaching RTD A-Line commuter train. He remains idle for approximately 38 seconds and then drives directly into the path of the train. Investigators have now focused their investigations into whether or not the actions of the driver were intentional.
North Chambers Avenue and East Smith Road will remain closed until midnight tonight.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
72-432-5095
Information previously released on February 14th, 217 at 08:05a.m.
On Tuesday February 14, 2017 at approximately 3:49 a.m. a passenger van traveling south bound on North Chambers Road was struck by an eastbound A-Line RTD train while the van was on the train track between the crossing gates.
An Aurora Police Officer was present and working at this train crossing intersection, as well as an employee contracted by RTD, at the time of the crash and witnessed this incident. The Aurora Police officer attempted to stop the driver of the passenger van from traveling onto the tracks as the A-Line RTD Train was approaching on the tracks, but the van failed to stop and was struck by the train. After the collision the train continued to travel for approximately 1/4 of mile before coming to a complete stop. The adult male driver of the van was extricated from the vehicle by the Aurora Fire Rescue Department. He was pronounced at the scene.
At this time we know 56 occupants were on board the RTD A-Line train. Four total patients were treated with only one being transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The identity of the driver is not being released at this time. His name will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office.
The Aurora Police Department Traffic Section will be the lead agency investigating this crash. The Federal Railroad Authority and Regional Transportation District (RTD) are also involved with this investigation.
Sergeant Chris Amsler
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720-432-5095