Two people avoided serious injury early this morning when their vehicle was struck by a train on the CSX tracks in New Scotland.
State police say a 2004 Chevrolet was struck by a westbound CSX freight train while crossing the tracks traveling north on Route 38. The engineer told police the gates were down for traffic and the driver of the car cannot say what happened, according to police.
The vehicle was operated by Richard A. DeMatteo of Voorheesville, and his passenger was Cassandra M. Tambasco of Schenectady.
The train that struck the car was actually the second one to pass by on the tracks. One traveling eastbound cleared the crossing as the second train was approaching, according to police.
DeMatteo’s vehicle became airborne and crashed into the southern crossing gate, according to police. Both occupants were treated and released from Albany Medical Center for cuts and bruises.
Police responded to the scene at 5:11 a.m.
The locomotive tape will be downloaded and turned over to state police while the CSX crew is checking for proper operation of the traffic gates, police said, and an investigation will continue.`
