Delaware State Police
News Release

Update on Montchanin Crash

Released Friday, January 16, 2009

Montchanin – The Delaware State Police are providing additional details on the crash. The Hyundai’s operator was Robert N. Fox, 65 of Wilmington. The train operator was Mark Hochberger, 53 of York, PA.

Investigators determined the Hyundai failed to stop for the oncoming train and attempted to cross the intersection while the lights were activated. As a result, the train struck the right rear of the Hyundai causing the crash. Mr. Fox, who was not wearing a seatbelt, remains in Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The operator of the train was not injured.

Mr. Fox was issued a traffic summons for Failing to Stop at a Railroad Crossing. In addition, he was assessed an additional fine for not wearing a seatbelt. 

 

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Preliminary Release - Car versus Train Crash

Released Friday, January 16, 2009

Montchanin – The Delaware State Police are currently on scene of a vehicle versus train crash on Montchanin Road in the area of Carpenter’s Row. The crash was reported at approximately 3:40 pm.

Preliminary investigation reports a 2002 Hyundai Accent, operated by a Wilmington man, was traveling southbound on Montchanin Road approaching a railroad crossing. An East Penn RR Cargo train was traveling northbound on the tracks approaching Montchanin Road.

The flashing lights on the RR signal were activated and the train was sounding its horn when for an unknown reason the Hyundai attempted to cross the tracks causing the crash. The operator of the Hyundai was injured and flown to Christiana Hospital by DSP helicopter for non-life threatening injuries.

No other parties were injured. When additional information is available it will be released. Note: There are no signal arms that cross the roadway at this location. The roadway was temporarily closed and has since been reopened.

 

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