[04-04-2023] San Bernardino County, CA – Mother and 11-Year-Old Girl Killed in Train vs. Car Collision in Redlands

A mother and her 11-year-old girl were killed in a collision between their vehicle and a Metrolink train in Redlands on Tuesday night, April 04, 2023.

According to authorities, the fatal crash that also injured one train passenger occurred around 8:30 p.m. at the railway crossing at Alabama Street, north of Redlands Boulevard.

The deceased were Heather W., 47, who died a day later at the hospital, and Presley C., 11, a student in the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, who died at the scene after being ejected from their vehicle, both from Redlands. One of the two train passengers was injured, while the engineer and conductor were unharmed.

A northbound silver sedan reportedly collided with the Metrolink passenger train traveling west on the Metrolink’s Arrow Route. The vehicle was not stuck on the railroad tracks and allegedly entered the tracks when the crossing gates closed down.

Designated as quiet zones, engineers rarely honk their horns when they approach. All railroad devices were functional, including the flashing signals. After the crash, one of the crossing arms became embedded in the damaged car, and the lights kept blinking.

Police were attempting to corroborate a witness’s claim that a crossing gate’s arm had fallen on top of the automobile. It appeared that nobody seemed to be beating the train illegally.

Omnitrans buses were used for transportation that night. Rail service resumed operation after the damaged signals and gates were fixed. The investigation continues.

Fatal Train Accident Statistics

The number of individuals killed in train accidents in 2016 was 893, up 20% from the year before, when 744 people were killed. Between 2020 and 2021, there was a 4% increase or 5,780 additional patients admitted to hospitals due to life-threatening injuries. There was a 21% rise in deaths at highway-rail grade crossings between 2020 and 2021.

Nearly one-third of those injured in train accidents made a full recovery. In 2021, it was predicted that 266 of the 893 pedestrian fatalities would be caused by train collisions.

Approximately 3,216 commuters were injured that year. These wounds could be lethal if they were severe enough. In 2015, 66 people were killed in the United States due to grade crossing accidents involving cars and trains.

What to Do After a Train Accident

Call 911 immediately if you or a loved one are involved in a railway accident. Be honest and avoid forming assumptions while communicating with the authorities or your insurance provider. Although they had no part in bringing about the catastrophe, it is feasible that some of the victims would nevertheless wish to express regret. Insurance companies may use such actions as evidence against victims who submit claims.

Contacting the proper authorities will result in the delivery of a complete report of the investigation. You may also fill out an online form on this page. We will get started on your request as soon as the report is available. Get free advice from a highly regarded attorney on how to maximize your insurance benefits.

Train Accident Lawyers in San Bernardino County

If you or a loved one has been wounded in a rail accident in California, you should contact an attorney straight away. Our reputed law office is delighted to provide a free consultation and act as an impartial mediator if an insurance claim has been or will be lodged due to an accident or wrongful death.

During this no-obligation consultation, one of our attorneys will evaluate your case, explain the next stages, and discuss the factors that may affect the final settlement offer.

Our award-winning San Bernardino County train accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi Esq., have extensive experience and expertise to advocate for accident victims, with awarded compensation totaling $750 million so far.

Contact (888) 488-1391 or click the “Do I Have a Case?” on our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.