Driver killed in crash with light rail train drove around crossing arms, police say

CHARLOTTE — Police are investigating a deadly crash Monday night involving a Blue Line light rail train and a pickup truck.

The collision happened just before 10 p.m. along the light rail tracks on South Boulevard at East Hebron Street, officials said.

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According to investigators, a 2017 Toyota Tundra was hit by the LYNX Blue Line train. CMPD said the driver of the Toyota, 27-year-old Baltazar Tiquiram Us, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paramedics took his passenger to the hospital with serious injuries.

None of the four passengers aboard the light rail train were injured.

Police said the LYNX Blue Line train was heading southbound and passing East Hebron Street when the Toyota drove around the crossing arms and into the path of the train. Investigators said the train operator sounded the horn while it was approaching the crossing, and the crossing arms’ warning lights were operational and flashing.

Impairment is suspected for the driver of the Toyota, and toxicology results are pending, CMPD said.

The intersection was shut down throughout the night, reopening around 5 a.m. A bus bridge was put in place between the Archdale Drive and I-485 stations.

The investigation into the crash remains active and ongoing.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

(WATCH BELOW: Car bypassed light rail crossing arm before colliding with train, officials say)

Car bypassed light rail crossing arm before colliding with train, officials say

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