Video shows the moment a passenger train smashes into an SUV, driver escapes with seconds to spare

A dramatic video has surfaced showing the heart-stopping moment when the driver of an SUV narrowly escaped before their vehicle was obliterated by a Utah Transit Authority (UTA) passenger train in Layton, Utah. The footage, captured from inside the locomotive, depicted the train hurtling down the tracks towards a railroad crossing.

As the train barreled towards the crossing, a white SUV could be seen partially obstructing the track. The train operator’s voice could be heard saying, “Oh, come on,” as the train horn blared from a distance. Despite the operator’s efforts to stop the train, it collided with the vehicle, emitting a loud thud from inside the locomotive.

Another angle of the crash, captured by security cameras nearby, showed the SUV driver approaching the railroad crossing with flashing red lights and a lowered gate arm. Instead of halting before the gate arm, the driver proceeded to cross the tracks, narrowly avoiding contact with the gate. The vehicle came to a halt with its rear wheels between the rails, prompting the driver to shift into reverse, hitting the gate arm.

After realizing their perilous position, the driver continued to reverse, inadvertently pushing the gate arm back before abandoning the SUV and walking away. Moments later, the train plowed into the vehicle, sending it spinning into the gate arm and obliterating the front end of the SUV.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident. UTA public information officer Gavin Gustafson emphasized the driver’s shock in the heat of the moment, refraining from passing judgment on their actions. He also highlighted the potential obstruction that could have obscured the driver’s view of any oncoming trains.

The collision resulted in over $100,000 in damage to the train, with repairs swiftly undertaken on the gate and crossing post with the assistance of the city of Layton within 24 hours. Despite the close call, everyone involved in the incident escaped unscathed.

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