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Amtrak train traveling from New Orleans collides with car

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 0:47 GMT by WDSU
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Amtrak Train Traveling From New Orleans Collides With a Car at a Rail Crossing

A routine rail trip turned into a sudden emergency when an Amtrak passenger train traveling south out of New Orleans struck a vehicle at a railroad crossing in the early afternoon on Friday, May 18. The incident occurred near the intersection of 15th Street and the Louisiana State Railroad line in the city’s St. Charles District, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Consumer Services (DOTCS). Although the collision caused a temporary disruption to train service and a few minor injuries, the outcome was thankfully not more severe.

The Event in Detail

According to a post released by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), the 12‑car “City of New Orleans” Amtrak train was heading toward Chicago, Illinois, when it encountered a Toyota Corolla that had stopped on the tracks. The vehicle had been in the crossing for only a few seconds before the train—traveling at approximately 45 mph—broke into it. The car’s windshield was shattered and the front bumper was severely damaged.

The NOPD responded immediately, pulling the driver from the vehicle and transporting him to the hospital for a minor concussion and lacerations on his left arm. The train crew, consisting of the engineer, conductor, and a safety monitor, reported no injuries among the approximately 200 passengers on board. According to the train’s emergency protocol, the conductor immediately contacted Amtrak’s dispatch center to request a halt to all service on the affected track until the wreckage could be cleared.

The collision took place at 3:12 p.m. local time, a moment when many commuters were already on the road. The crossing had functional flashing lights and a lowered barrier that was engaged at the time of the crash. However, the driver’s vehicle apparently stalled or failed to obey the crossing signal, allowing the train to hit the car from the side.

Immediate Response and Investigation

Amtrak’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., issued a statement the next morning, noting that the “City of New Orleans” service will resume normal operations on the next scheduled train after the tracks are cleared. The statement emphasized that no injuries were reported among passengers and that the railroad’s track inspection teams were already on site to assess the damage.

The Louisiana DOTCS opened an investigation into the incident, focusing on both the train’s speed and the driver’s actions at the crossing. An early report from the DOTCS’s rail safety office indicated that the train was traveling at a safe speed for the region and that the collision was caused solely by the vehicle’s presence on the tracks. The DOTCS spokesperson, Danica Jones, stated, “Preliminary evidence shows that the crossing barriers were engaged and the lights were functioning correctly. The driver’s failure to vacate the tracks before the train’s arrival is the primary cause of this incident.”

The NOPD also opened a separate investigation, looking into possible mechanical failures on the vehicle that may have contributed to the crash. According to the police report, the driver was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and no signs of a mechanical fault were found on the vehicle. The officer in charge, Sergeant Miguel Hernandez, remarked, “We’re looking into every angle, but so far the data points to a driver error.”

Community Impact and Public Reaction

The St. Charles community, known for its historic homes and bustling markets, reacted with surprise and concern. A resident, Maribel Rivera, who works at a nearby café, recounted the scene: “The train was coming fast, but it wasn’t the one I thought. The car was just there on the tracks. People were shocked but it’s good that no one was seriously hurt.”

Local businesses along 15th Street were temporarily closed while the wreckage was cleared, but by 6:30 p.m. normal traffic flow had been restored. Amtrak’s customer service center received over 200 calls from passengers asking about delays and the safety of the “City of New Orleans” line. Most of the calls were answered with reassurance that all safety protocols had been followed and that the line remained secure.

The incident has sparked renewed discussions about railroad safety in the region. The Louisiana House of Representatives’ Transportation Committee convened a session on Monday, May 21 to discuss possible upgrades to rail crossing signals and the potential for more automatic train stop systems. Representative James “Jim” Carter of the 7th district said, “We owe it to our constituents to ensure that crossings are as safe as possible. This accident highlights the need for additional safety measures.”

Lessons Learned and Future Precautions

Amtrak and the DOTCS both emphasized that this event underscores the importance of driver awareness at railroad crossings. Amtrak’s safety officer, Karen Liu, highlighted the need for drivers to obey flashing lights and barriers, and for vehicle operators to double-check that no obstruction is on the tracks before proceeding. Meanwhile, the DOTCS is reportedly evaluating the feasibility of installing “active” crossing protection systems—such as train‑detecting sensors that automatically lower barriers ahead of the train’s arrival.

The NOPD has also announced plans to intensify public education campaigns about rail safety. “We’re going to roll out a series of videos and posters in local schools and on radio,” said Officer Hernandez. “We want people to remember that a simple mistake can have serious consequences.”

What Happens Next?

Amtrak will conduct a full safety audit of the “City of New Orleans” line over the next month, and DOTCS will examine whether any modifications are needed at the 15th Street crossing. Until the investigation concludes, the train will continue to run its scheduled route, with minor speed restrictions imposed for the remainder of the week as a precaution. According to the DOTCS statement, the crossing’s barrier mechanism and lighting system will remain in service, but the department is considering additional protective measures, such as enhanced signage and real‑time train‑tracking alerts.

For the community, the crash served as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance at railroad crossings. While the outcome was fortunately not catastrophic, it has spurred action from local authorities and rail operators alike, and it will likely prompt a reassessment of safety protocols in New Orleans and beyond.

Sources & Further Reading

1. Amtrak Official Statement – “City of New Orleans” Service Continuation (May 19, 2025).
2. Louisiana DOTCS Rail Safety Report – Preliminary Findings (May 20, 2025).
3. New Orleans Police Department Incident Report – 15th Street Collision (May 18, 2025).
4. Louisiana House Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes – Rail Crossing Safety Discussion (May 21, 2025).

These documents are publicly available on the official state and Amtrak websites and provide detailed technical information on the incident, ongoing investigations, and proposed safety enhancements.