Griffith Man Survives Train Crash Attempt
GRIFFITH, IN – A 75-year-old man from Griffith, Indiana, miraculously survived an attempt to drive his truck into a moving train on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred at one of the town’s busiest railroad crossings.
Griffith Police received a call at approximately 1:40 p.m. regarding a missing person. The individual, later identified as the driver, was a 75-year-old man suffering from dementia, according to Griffith Police Chief Al Tharp.
About an hour later, officers were called to the 200 block of South Broad Street following reports of a vehicle colliding with a train. Upon arrival, officers found the missing man conscious, alert, and walking. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital for medical attention.
Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Video footage of the event shows a red pickup truck waiting behind several other vehicles stopped at the crossing. The truck then abruptly accelerated toward the moving train. The impact of the collision, if any, was obscured by the train in the video.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact Officer Richard Merschantz at 219-924-7503 x066 or [email protected]. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 219-922-3085.
Canadian National Railroad Police provided assistance at the scene.
