FATAL Car-Train collision in Okmulgee County

A car-train collision happened this morning in Okmulgee County near Highway 75 and Bristlecone Road, and it claimed the life of a motorist.<br><br>The train was traveling north when it hit 41-year-old

Tuesday, May 29th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A car-train collision happened this morning in Okmulgee County near Highway 75 and Bristlecone Road, and it claimed the life of a motorist.

The train was traveling north when it hit 41-year-old David Smith's Ford LTD.

Witnesses say the conductor blew the whistle several times, but Smith didn't see the train.

Two railroad crossing signs are posted, but some people say it's not enough.

Ed Allen, Okmulgee County resident: "It's a dangerous intersection. Especially when you're combing from the west and you have to turn to get on 75 highway. You look south and you can't see around the curve the train is on you. Sometimes they start blowing the whistle early enough - sometimes they don't."

Allen and other residents want the Burlington Northern Railroad to add flashing lights.

They say school buses also travel over the tracks and they're concerned about the children's safety during the school year.

In addition, there was a second accident related to the train collision.

Troopers say while the train was dragging the car, several people pulled over to watch.

One car hit another - causing a chain reaction that involved five cars.

One person was injured in the chain reaction.