Investigation continues into the fatal train/car crash which occurred earlier this week in Palmyra, leaving one local woman dead.
On Wednesday, the victim of the Tuesday, Nov. 30, crash was identified by Lebanon County Coroner Dr. Jeff Yocum as 63-year-old Kimberly Gingrich of Palmyra. Gingrich had been pronounced dead at the scene after her car was impacted by a Chicago-bound Norfolk Southern train shortly before 8:15 a.m. at the North Railroad Street crossing in Palmyra.
Authorities believe the railroad crossing gates were working at the time of the incident, but the specific circumstances remain under investigation by local police. Norfolk Southern said that it investigates all incidents and reports them to the Federal Railroad Administration, but at this point the freight hauler says it is deferring to local officials given the apparent traffic aspect of the incident.
The train, #8165, had three locomotives and 35 cars, according to Norfolk Southern. Train schedules indicate that it was servicing route 21E connecting Morrisville, PA with Chicago.
“Any time an incident like this occurs, we think it’s important to highlight railroad safety,” said a Norfolk Southern spokesperson in a statement. Operation Lifesaver is one such industry resource for the public to learn more about railroad crossing safety.
“Any loss of life is a tragedy – our thoughts are with this person’s family during this difficult time,” said the spokesperson. “This is an incredibly unfortunate reminder that railroad crossings can be uniquely dangerous places that always beg extra caution and respect of any signals.”
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