Car hits Amtrak train in Houston, killing two

Two persons were murdered Saturday night in Houston after their automobile collided with an Amtrak train, officials said. The driver of the car was attempting to beat the train at a railroad crossing.

The crash occurred at approximately 8 p.m. local time at Beaumont Highway and Van Hut Lane when the driver of the Chrysler 300 drove around the crossing arms that indicated the approaching train, according to a statement from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. At the crossing, flashing red lights and a bell were activated to indicate the approaching train’s arrival.

On contact, the automobile burst into flames, and the driver and passenger were ejected, authorities added. Both victims were declared dead at the scene, according to authorities.

Two train passengers were brought to the hospital, according to Amtrak spokesman Kimberly Woods.

The train was headed from New Orleans to Los Angeles, Woods said, adding that it stayed upright and unbroken on the rails until the incident.

According to Woods and a sheriff’s statement, Amtrak is cooperating with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s Vehicle Crimes Division on the investigation.