Train Crash Update: Gates Not Fully Down Before MD Light Rail Wreck Claimed FL Teen Driver

LINTHICUM, MD — A teenage driver from Florida died Wednesday after his car was hit by a Maryland light rail train, officers announced. Authorities first thought the juvenile drove past the oncoming train warnings, but police said they are now investigating if the light rail conductor entered the intersection too soon.

Officers did not release the name of the 17-year-old male from Kissimmee, Florida. This is normal protocol for investigations involving minors.

The Linthicum crash happened around 9:10 a.m., authorities said. The juvenile was driving a 2003 Honda Accord east on Maple Road approaching Camp Meade Road. Maryland Transit Administration Light RailLink Train 5028 was heading north on track 2 as it neared Maple Road.

Witnesses told police that the automatic roadway gates were lowering to block traffic on Maple Road, a press release said. They also reported that the gates' red lights started flashing, as did the overhead and roadside train signals in both directions. Bystanders additionally said the train blew its horn before approaching the crossing.

Officers originally said the Honda did not stop for these warnings, causing the train to hit the passenger side of the sedan. Investigators previously thought the preliminary cause of the collision was the driver's failure to obey traffic control devices.

Authorities reviewed a video of the accident on Thursday and released a new account. Police now say the train entered the intersection while the gates were still lowering, meaning the roadway was not completely blocked when the crash happened. The overhead and roadside lights still functioned properly.

Officers said they are now also investigating whether the train conductor was at fault. There is no evidence that alcohol or drugs were involved.

Medics pronounced the Honda driver dead on the scene, the Anne Arundel County Police Department said. The uninjured train conductor was the only person on the light rail.

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