Train hits car on tracks in Johnson City

[thpbears]

UPDATE: A Jonesborough woman was hospitalized in critical condition after her car was struck by a train Thursday evening in downtown Johnson City.







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Police said Evon Franklin, 34, 177 Meadow Lark Drive, Jonesborough, received life threatening injuries as the Norfolk-Southern freight train struck her Chevrolet Impala at the South Roan Street/Water Street crossing about 6:15 p.m.

Witnesses told police the Impala was sitting on the tracks as the warning gates were down position with warning lights and bells activated. Franklin appeared to make no effort to move the car from the path of the oncoming train, and the Impala and was struck in the passenger side, pushing the car about 100 feet down the track, where it came to rest alongside the train.

Witnesses told police the train was sounding its whistle as it approached.

Franklin was taken to Johnson City Medical Center, where she was in the care of the Intensive Care Unit.

The Johnson City Police Department's Traffic Homicide Team was investigating.