Two people die in car-train collision

Two people died Friday night after the car they were riding was struck by a freight train between Tucumcari and Logan, reported New Mexico State Police.

The accident occurred at 7:07 p.m. at a rail crossing on Quay Road Ad, just off U.S. 54.

According to a news release Monday from state police, a Toyota Camry was traveling north and was going over the railroad tracks as the train approached and was struck.

The driver and one passenger were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.

State police identified the passenger as Pedro Jimon, 38, of Clovis. State police still were working with the medical investigator's office to identify the Toyota's driver.

State police said alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the accident, and seatbelts appeared to have been properly used.

A Union Pacific Railroad assistant engineer told a state police officer at the scene that the engineer had sounded the train's horn, but the car did not slow at the crossing.

He estimated the southbound train was going about 60 mph at the time of the collision.

The car came to rest in a ditch after the crash about 150 feet from the crossing.

The train wasn't able to fully stop until it was at least a half-mile down the tracks.

The crossing contains no crossing gates or warning lights, but the railroad-crossing signs also have stop signs affixed to them, as well.

The engineer and assistant engineer were not injured.