The Columbia Police Department (CPD) Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) is investigating the fatal collision involving a car and an Amtrack train early this morning.
CPD officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of Koon Road near the intersection near Cushman Drive and Ames Road at approximately 6:00 a.m.
Preliminary information: The train was traveling northbound on the tracks while a male driver was traveling westbound on Koon Road.
After reviewing surveillance video, the crossing gate and warning lights at the railroad crossing were active and operating properly. It appears that the male disregarded the traffic control device by driving around the crossing gate and entering the crossing zone. As a result, the train struck the car on the driver’s side.
EMS took the driver to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased by medical staff.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office is assisting CPD with the investigation.
For education awareness, take a few minutes to read the driver/railroad safety information from partners Operation LifeSaver:
https://oli.org/safety-near-trains/driving-safely-near-tracks