COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia Police Department says a car was struck by a train on Thursday morning, leaving a driver dead.
CPD's Traffic Safety Unit is investigating the incident and temporarily closed the area of Cushman Drive between Ames and Farrow roads to traffic.
Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford released the name of the driver as Jeremy Williams, 32, of Columbia.
Based on a preliminary investigation, authorities believe Williams disregarded the traffic control device at the rail crossing and drove around the gate where the vehicle was struck by the train on the driver's side. Williams was rushed to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical staff.
Surveillance video from the location suggests that the gate and warning lights at the crossing were active and working properly, police said.
No further details regarding the crash have been released. However, the Richland County Coroner is assisting in the investigation.
