January 5, 2010 ( by Horatio Algren) According to reports two people in a BMW were critically injured when the vehicle was struck by a train.
According to Anaheim Sgt. Rick Martinez two Placentia men were critically injured in the morning when the BMW they were traveling in was struck by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Train. The accident occurred at approximately 7:20 a.m. and the train was traveling at about 45 to 50 miles per hour.
The 27 year old driver was traveling eastbound on Orangethorpe Avenue running alongside the railway tracks and turned right onto Tunstin Avenue driving directly in front of the 3,700 pound train. Sgt. Martinez stated they believe the driver tried to go under the crossing arm when they were struck by the train.
The impact of the train critically injured both men, the passenger identified as a 37 year old man was extracted from the vehicle by 25 firefighters according to Capt. Greg McKenown of the Orange County Fire Authority. The men were transported to UCI Medical Center and listed in critical condition.
The accident closed the eastbound lanes of Orangethorpe from Chapman Avenue to Richfield Road and the southbound lanes of Rose Drive from Alta Vista Street were closed according to Sgt. Martinez. The identity of both men are being withheld until their next of kin are notified of their injuries.
