Train strikes, kills man who ignored rail gates

9/13/2003

VERMILION, Ohio — A local man died when he passed three cars stopped at some railroad tracks and drove into the path of a moving train, Vermilion police reported.

Keith Hall, 47, of Vermilion was behind cars stopped at a railroad crossing about 11:45 a.m. Thursday when witnesses said he passed the waiting vehicles, drove around the crossing gates, and into the train's path.

The train dragged the vehicle about a half-mile down the tracks, from Main Street, where the accident happened, to Decatur Street. Mr. Hall's car burst into flames. He died at the scene.