Dammit, train/car competition ALWAYS goes to the locomotive

From The Hawk Eye :
Woman dies after car struck by train

"HENDERSON COUNTY, Ill. — A woman was killed in a car and train collision at 12:16 p.m. Saturday on Henderson County Road 450 E, about two–tenths of a mile north of Illinois 96.

The woman was the only occupant of the Dodge Caravan that collided with a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train. She was killed on impact."

For a few years, my sister worked for the NTSB on just such issues. It seems minivans are frequently involved in these wrecks. Something to do, possibly, with the suburban housewife getting used to an intersection being clear at given hours so that she stops paying close attention at the nearby crossing... fatality ensues... and the deceased's family and the engineer need counseling...

Of course, it might be something else entirely. News article says "[t]he crash is under investigation." But I'm pretty sure they won't come to the conclusion that the train targeted the minivan.


Update: Some details of the investigation to date can be found here at the Macomb Journal's site: "Stacey Lynn Hardy, 31 [of Blandinsville, IL]... was a newlywed who was married in February to Jeff Hardy." The Journal informs us that the crossing was marked by signs, but without lights, gate, or clanging bells. Easy to absently cross without looking. Journal also says the IL State Police indicate she was not wearing her safety belt at the time. But then, an impact from a freight train would make that issue moot.