Sunday, November 11, 2001
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Sunday, November 11, 2001 |
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Tyrone boy, driver killed in train collision
By JOHN MUNFORD
A collision between a minivan and a train in Tyrone Tuesday night has claimed the lives of a 6-year-old Tyrone boy and a 22-year-old Morrow man. The boy was identified as Tyler Douglas Whitfield, Tyrone Police Chief Roger Spencer said Thursday morning. The driver of the vehicle, who passed away at Atlanta Medical Center, was Timothy Graham, 28, of Morrow, Spencer said. Witnesses told police that the van was crossing the railroad tracks at Valleywood Road when the collision occurred, Spencer said. The van never stopped at the crossing, Spencer said. This particular crossing does not have safety arms; it is marked by the typical railroad "crossbucks" sign. Graham was dating the mother of the boy, and apparently they were returning home with dinner when the collision occurred around 7 p.m., Spencer said. It was dark at the time, he confirmed, but train officials told police the black box on the train indicated that the whistle was blown to alert motorists of its presence. The train was also likely going the speed limit of 35 mph as it passed through town, Spencer added. The victims were extricated from the wreck by the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and both were flown to hospitals by medical helicopters which were called to the scene.
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