Flowery Branch police and Norfolk Southern Railway officials are investigating after a train struck a pick-up truck in the downtown area Sunday night.
Assistant Police Chief Chris Hulsey said the incident happened around 8:20 p.m. He said witnesses told officers they saw a black truck headed south on Atlanta Highway, which then took a right onto Light's Ferry Road and tried to maneuver around the downed crossing arms at the railroad track.
Hulsey said the driver, identified as 67-year-old Robert Witherspoon of Mt. Airy, suffered cuts and bruises when the train hit the pick-up. Witherspoon's passenger was more badly hurt.
"She was in critical condition," Hulsey said.
He identified the passenger as Sandra Woodford, 65, of Flowery Branch.
Hulsey said the train operator saw the incident unfolding, but he was unable to avoid hitting the truck.
"The guy that was driving the train noticed that the black truck was backing up and pulling forward and trying to maneuver around the crossing," Hulsey said. "He immediately started braking."
Hulsey said it is unknown at this point if Witherspoon will face any charges. He said the investigation is ongoing.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2018/1/621008/man-woman-injured-when-train-strikes-pickup-truck-in-flowery-branch