Update: Attention All News Editors/Station Managers:
The Highway Patrol has identified driver who was killed in today’s collision involving an Amtrak train. The driver is Aliksa Mongkeya, 52, of 264 Countryside Drive, Aberdeen, N.C. According to investigators, Mrs. Mongkeya, who was operating an 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe, attempted to go around the railroad cross arms when she was struck and subsequently killed. All railroad warning signals were activated and operating properly at the time of the collision. The Amtrak train was carrying 82 passengers and no injuries were reported. Passengers were loaded onto buses and carried to their final destination point. It is not known where the train was headed but it had just made a stop in Raleigh before the collision occurred. The railroad is still closed as CSX officials inspect the tracks.
Story from 10:38 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3:
RALEIGH - The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal collision involving an SUV and freight train that occurred in Moore County. A preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, a green SUV was struck as it attempted to cross the railroad tracks near the address of 468 Pinebluff Lake Road. The collision scene is located between US-501 and US-1 near the town of Pinebluff.
Investigators are still on-scene as they continue their investigation and the roadway is expected to be closed for several hours. The identity of the SUV driver is being withheld at this time pending next of kin notification. Additional details will be provided as they become available.