By Mark Price
The Charlotte Observer
MATTHEWS, N.C. — An SUV collided with a train in downtown Matthews, leaving two seriously injured people trapped in the vehicle, according to Matthews Fire & EMS.
Identities of the crash victims have not been released. Both are hospitalized in “critical, but stable condition,” officials said.
It happened around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, near the intersection of N. Trade and Charles streets, fire officials said in a news release. The area is about 12 miles southeast of Uptown Charlotte.
Investigators say the vehicle was on the tracks when it was struck by the train.
“The preliminary investigation indicates that the railroad crossing audible and visual warnings, including the gate arms, were engaged and working properly during the time of this crash,” Matthews police said.
Photos show the heavily damaged SUV was found teetering on its side next to a tanker car.
Matthews Fire EMS officials report the vehicle had to be stabilized before rescuers could cut the passengers out through the roof.
The patients were freed in about 15 minutes and taken to a hospital.
The cause of the crash is being investigated. CSX police are participating in the investigation, officials said.
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