MetroNorth: Car radio a culprit in deadly crash

REDDING, Conn. (AP) — Metro-North says a blaring radio may be partly to blame for a collision between a car and a train that killed a Danbury man and left three other people in the car critically injured.

The News-Times reports that railroad spokeswoman Marjorie Anders says the engineer of the empty train told investigators the radio in the car was playing very loud when he stopped his locomotive immediately after the crash on Sunday and checked the occupants of the vehicle.

The crossing is not protected by gates that keep out traffic when a train approaches. But Anders said investigators determined that the warning system of flashing lights and bells was operating.

Anders said a recorder also confirmed that the engineer blew his whistle and activated warning bells as he approached.

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Information from: The News-Times