Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden has released the identity of a man killed Friday afternoon in a car-train collision just north of Danville. She says the victim is 25-year-old Dennis D. Washington of Danville, who was the driver of the car involved. Vermilion County Sheriff’s Captain Michael Hartshorn says the crash occurred at about 2:00 p.m. at a crossing along West Newell Road. Washington was pronounced dead at the scene.
Captain Hartshorn says witnesses reported the warning lights at the crossing were flashing and gates were down. Multiple witnesses also told Sheriff’s Police they heard the train sounding its horn. But Hartshorn adds the west-bound car went around the gates and was struck by the southbound CSX train.
The crash remains under investigation by the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department and County Coroner’s Office.
The location where the tragedy occurred is along West Newell Road between Bowman and Vermilion Streets (near Danville’s Menards store.) The crossing is located outside the Danville city limits.
[Story posted by News Director Bill Pickett.]
