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Alabama State Troopers are investigating a deadly two-vehicle crash which occurred late Sunday night.
Chelsea resident Bernadette Shires, 39, was driving when her 2009 Lexus was hit by a CSX train, according to a press release from Alabama State Troopers. The crash occurred at the intersection of Chelsea Road and County Road 39 around 11:50 p.m.. Shires was transported to Grandview Hospital following the crash, and was later reported dead.
The crash damaged the railroad crossing equipment at the railroad crossing, according to a release from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. The lights are not working at the crossing at this time, and the sheriff’s office asks drivers to avoid the area if possible.
CSX Transportation is working to fix the crossing equipment, but it will be a “very long process, causing indefinite delays,” according to the sheriff’s office.
Anyone who travels through the intersection is encouraged to “stop, look and listen” before crossing the railroad tracks. Drivers should also be cautious and drive slowly because there are repairmen in the area, according to the release.
Due to conflicting information in press releases from the sheriff’s office and Alabama State Troopers, this report was previously published as two separate incidents. The single-vehicle crash reported in front of Chelsea City Hall and the two-vehicle crash south of Chelsea city limits are confirmed to be the same crash.
