A mangled pile of metal that was once an automobile rests next to UPRR tracks in Dorris, California after being struck by a Northbound Amtrak. September 25, 2018 (Brian Gailey).

Parts of a vehicle are scattered along UPRR tracks in Dorris, California, following a collision with a Northbound Amtrak. September 25, 2018 (Brian Gailey)

On Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at about 8:28 a.m., the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) received a report of a collision involving a train and a motor vehicle in the Dorris area. Additional information indicated the vehicle was on fire at US 97 near Railroad Avenue, at the railroad crossing gate. SCSO Sergeant Abner Weed responded to the incident, along with local fire department and California Highway Patrol (CHP) first responders. SCSO provides contract law enforcement services for Dorris.

A preliminary investigation revealed a vehicle, operated by a driver allegedly observed driving at a high-rate of speed prior to the collision, was southbound on US 97 when the vehicle ran through the crossing gate and collided with the train’s engine. The train was in motion at the time of the collision. The crossing gate was located just north of Railroad Avenue in the incorporated City of Dorris.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

A deceased dog was also located in the vehicle after fire department personnel extinguished flames erupting as a result of the collision.

The preliminary investigation revealed the railroad crossing arm barriers and signals were functioning at the time of the collision.

The identification of the driver and fatal victim is being withheld at this time, pending the notification of next-of-kin.

According to Sheriff Jon Lopey, “On behalf of the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, I would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the decedent, family, associates, and friends. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the local Dorris Volunteer Fire Department, CHP, California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), and Amtrak personnel, whose assistance with the mitigation of this tragic event was most helpful and appreciated. This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the SCSO’s 24-hour Dispatch Center at (530) 841-2900.”

[ Update on the crash - Victim Identified In Fatal Dorris Train Crash ]

Press release provided from the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office. Images by Brian Gailey, Klamath Falls News.