Train Strikes Car in South Carolina, Killing Five

Nov. 10, 2004
A train slammed into a car trying to beat it across the tracks at a crossing Wednesday, killing all five people inside.
GRANITEVILLE, S.C. (AP) -- A train slammed into a car trying to beat it across the tracks at a crossing Wednesday, killing all five people inside.

The Norfolk Southern research train, a locomotive and two cars used to measure the height and curvature of the rails, was traveling at 45 mph when it hit the car, said Capt. Karl McClary of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The car was dragged about two-tenths of a mile before coming to a stop. All five victims appeared to be adults, McClary said.

The car was the last of three that tried to beat the train at the crossing, which has flashing lights but no crossarms, he said.

``She had two wheels on the track and instead of backing up, she tried to make it across the tracks,'' said B.W. Swearingen, a Graniteville Fire Department volunteer.

Rob Chapman, a Norfolk Southern spokesman, said no one was injured on the train.

The crash site is about 12 miles from the Georgia line.

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