A 61-year-old woman died Monday morning after a train hit her car at the intersection of Highways 116 and 346 in Bosque, authorities said.
A 61-year-old woman, identified as Annette Ariaz, died Monday after a train struck her orange Subaru at the intersection of Highways 116 and 346 in Bosque, New Mexico. According to Valencia County Fire Chief Matt Propp, she attempted to pass a stopped vehicle and cross the tracks but got stuck before being hit.
The collision pushed the car about 50 feet down the tracks, and crews had to remove its doors to reach her. Propp noted similar crashes have occurred at this crossing and urged drivers to slow down and look both ways near railroad crossings. New Mexico State Police are investigating.
“The vehicle attempted to cross while the train was approaching and didn’t make it across before being struck,” Valencia County Fire Chief Matt Propp said in an interview.
Authorities identified the victim as Annette Ariaz, who was driving an orange Subaru. She reportedly tried to pass another vehicle that had stopped to let the train go by. The Subaru got stuck on the train tracks, resulting in the deadly collision.
“Whether she saw the train or whether the vehicle, you know, couldn’t make it over the crossing, you know, is unclear,” Propp said.
According to investigators, the impact sent the car about 50 feet down the tracks.
Propp said crews had to remove the car doors to reach the victim, calling the scene devastating.
Fire Chief Urges Caution at Railroad Crossings
If you’re a driver, Propp advises you to slow down or stop when approaching railroad crossings. Look both ways because a train could pass at any time, he said.
Propp said similar crashes have happened at the same train crossing. The New Mexico State Police are investigating the incident.
This story has been updated from the original article published on October 12 about a fatal crash in Bosque.
