Driver Killed in Crash With Amtrak Train in Jefferson, LA

April 22nd, 2011 |

JEFFERSON, LA – A woman was killed in Jefferson, LA when her car struck an oncoming Amtrak train while going through a rail crossing on April 21, 2011.

jefferson-la-driver-killed-in-train-crash

Scene of deadly crash in Jefferson, LA where driver of 2002 Camry was killed after crossing railroad tracks and crashing into oncoming Amtrak passenger train on April 21, 2011.

The community of Jefferson is in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana in the southern part of the state about 7 miles west of New Orleans.

The accident occurred around 10:30 p.m. in the 1000 block of Central Ave. where there is a series of rail crossings one after another.

jefferson-la-driver-killed-in-train-crash-map

Location of fatal train crash with car in Jefferson, LA where several railroad tracks cross Central Ave. under the expressway overpass.

The driver was identified as Lisa Kosche, 41 years old from Jefferson. According to authorities she was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Jefferson Parish deputies Koshe was driving south on Central Ave in her silver 2002 Toyota Camry when she crossed the tracks into the path of the train.

Witnesses say that Koshe ignored the grossing guard which functioned properly and which was in the down position when the collision occurred.

It is not clear why Koshe ignored the crossing guard. It appears she may have driven around it.

The Amtrak passenger train was traveling from Chicago, IL on its way to New Orleans and was carrying carrying 100 passengers at the time of the accident.

Fortunately, no railroad workers or passengers were injured in the incident and the train appears to have suffered minimal damage.

Authorities are holding the train until the investigation into the accident has been completed.

Published by FELA lawyer Gordon &amp Elias, LLP