Investigators working to determine if crossing arms were down before deadly auto vs train crash

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) – A railroad crossing in Moncks Corner remains closed Thursday following a deadly crash that occurred between a vehicle and an Amtrak train.

The crash happened Wednesday around 7:40 p.m. on Altman Street. Amtrak Train 89 was traveling from New York to Savannah, Georgia when officials say a vehicle obstructing the track “came into contact with the train.”

William Jeffrey Foster, 59, of Moncks Corner died at the scene. His passenger was taken to a local hospital in critical but stable condition.

Amtrak officials say none of the train’s 62 passengers were injured, nor any crew onboard. The service was canceled following the crash. The Berkeley County School District provided buses to take the passengers to their destination.

Officials with CSX said the incident damaged the crossing gate and signal system. The roadway is expected to stay closed until repairs are completed.

Jay Jackson was traveling in the area Thursday and said he was shocked to learn about the crash. “This control box over here is completely destroyed. I had no idea. I’ve never seen what it looks like when a train and car collide,” he said. “I get the trains can’t stop, trains can’t swerve; gosh, this is awful.”

CSX told News 2 that replacement materials have been ordered, and installation is expected to be done by Saturday. Trains can still operate on the track.

Investigators are working to learn if the crossing arm was down at the time of the crash. Still, officials say drivers should always look in both directions anytime they are approaching an intersection with a train track.

“Preventing incidents and fatalities on the railroad is a priority for Amtrak,” the company said in a statement to News 2. “According to the Federal Railroad Administration, trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America, and railroad-highway grade crossing incidents are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths in America. These incidents can affect everyone involved—those who are injured or die and their families, our train crews, and our passengers. They also serve as critical reminders about the importance of obeying the law and of exercising extreme caution around railroad tracks and grade crossings.”

Altman Street will be closed at the tracks in both directions. Drivers should use E Railroad Ave to E Main Street or Gulledge Street to E Main Street as an alternative route.