A Lyons woman driving on County Road 800 West, north of Lyons, was hit by a train at a railroad crossing near County Road 50 North this morning, Sunday, July 14. She survived but was transported to the hospital with back pain.

A vehicle hit by a train Sunday morning, July 14, sustained heavy damage. Photo courtesy GCSD Deputy James Carpenter.

Michelle L. Ellett, 49, of Lyons, was driving a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero northbound on County Road 800 West when the crash occurred around 7:40 a.m. Sunday.

Deputy James Carpenter of the Greene County Sheriff’s Department, the investigating officer, responded to the scene along with personnel from GCSD, Greene County Rescue and Skinner Towing.

Carpenter said Ellett complained of back pain and was transported to Greene County General Hospital by a private vehicle. No additional information regarding her condition has been released.

Deputy Carpenter reported that Ellett said she pulled up to the edge of the railroad tracks and suddenly her vehicle was struck by a train. She then backed her vehicle away from the railroad crossing.

Carpenter said Ellett told him she does not remember seeing a train or hearing a train.

When he released information on the crash, Deputy Carpenter offered this reminder:

“It’s important to come to a complete stop and look and listen for a train before crossing a railroad intersection.”