By Mark Wineka
mwineka@salisburypost.com
No one was injured early this morning when a southbound Amtrak passenger train hit a car stuck on the tracks at the Henderson Grove Church Road crossing.
The accident happened about 1:52 a.m., Salisbury Police said.
Amtrak Engineer Scott Lynch told police his train was traveling between 77 and 78 mph when it struck a 2009 Chevrolet belonging to Erin Rader of Aurora, Colo.
Rader said her car ran off the right side of Henderson Grove Church Road at the crossing and a right front tire hung up on the tracks. She was not able to move the car as she heard the whistle of the approaching train, reports said.
Rader and her two passengers exited the vehicle in time. After hitting the car, Engine 164 pushed the vehicle some 678 feet down the tracks before coming to a stop.
The car was a total loss, and police said the front of Engine 164 had severe damage.
Salisbury Police Officers Mike Morgan and Jeremy Vail investigated.