Train crashes into passenger van in Stuarts Draft, three killed

STUARTS DRAFT — Multiple emergency vehicles were dispatched to Stuarts Draft after a train crashed into a passenger van Monday night, killing three in the van.

Virginia State Police said two men and a woman died in the crash, which took place in the 100 block of Wayne Avenue. All three victims were ejected from the van. A fourth passenger in the van, an unidentified woman who was wearing a seat belt and seated in front, was taken to Augusta Health in Fishersville before being transferred to UVA Health in Charlottesville with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, police said.

Later on Tuesday, Virginia State Police identified the victims .

Sgt. C.J. Aikens of the Virginia State Police said a 2019 Ford Transit van carrying four people was hit at a train crossing on private property. He said the group was leaving a farm where solar panels are being installed.

"It's a pretty big solar panel farm," Aikens said.

All three victims died at the scene.

Aikens said the speed limit for trains in that area is 50 mph, and he said the Norfolk Southern train involved in the crash was traveling below the speed limit.

There are no gate arms at the crossing, Aikens noted, just stop signs.

The initial call came in at 8:08 p.m. on Monday.

The identification of the victims will be released once next-of-kin are notified.

— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Connect with Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and on Instagram @hitepatrick . Subscribe to us at newsleader.com

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Train crashes into passenger van in Stuarts Draft, three killed