CMPD: Driver Cited After Vehicle Fails To Stop At Railroad Crossing And Collides With LYNX Light Rail Train In South Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department says a driver has been cited after he failed to stop at a railroad crossing and collided with a LYNX Light Rail train in south Charlotte.  The accident happened at the intersection of South Boulevard and Sweden Road on September 10th.

CMPD says the preliminary investigation indicates that the Toyota, being operated by Ernal Dean Fulp, was traveling west on Sweden Road from South Blvd towards Denmark Rd.  The Light Rail train, being conducted by Daryl Cornute, was traveling north approaching Sweden Rd.  Police say the railroad crossing arms were down and flashing red lights for the Sweden Road traffic to stop.

The Toyota allegedly went around the lowered railroad crossing arms and drove over the tracks as the light rail approached Sweden Road, according to a news release.  The train crashed into the driver’s side of the Toyota as the Toyota was crossing the tracks.  The CATS LYNX had nine passengers on board, but none were injured. Medic transported Fulp to Atrium Health Main with non-life-threatening injuries.

Fulp was interviewed by detectives and cited for reckless driving and failure to stop at a railroad crossing, according to CMPD.  Police say impairment is not suspected in this crash.

No other details have been released at this time.  Check back for updates.