Amtrak passenger train hits pickup; 2 treated for injuries

CLAY CENTER, Ohio - Two men were injured early yesterday when the pickup they were in was struck by an Amtrak passenger train in Ottawa County's Allen Township, the Ohio Highway Patrol said.

Brent Weyandt, 23, of Ottawa County's Williston and Andrew Bowland, 26, of Genoa were treated for minor injuries after the 12:53 a.m. crash.

Mr. Weyandt was southbound on Martin-Williston Road and failed to stop at the grade crossing, which was activated because of an oncoming train, troopers with the patrol's Sandusky post said.

He drove the pickup around the crossing arms and was struck by the train. The vehicle was severed in two and the passenger compartment came to rest on its side, troopers said.

The Pittsburgh-bound train, which was carrying 227 people in eight passenger cars, and had one luggage car, sustained minor damage to the front of the locomotive. None of the train's passengers was injured and the train was able to proceed, troopers said.