Troopers Investigate a Train versus Vehicle Crash, Ellendale

Location: Main Street at Railroad Avenue, Ellendale, DE

Date of Occurrence: Monday March 17, 2014 at 1:30 p.m.

Operator and Vehicle Information:

Operator #1: Brandon A. Rudy, 35, Vienna, VA
Vehicle #1: 2013 Subaru Impreza

Vehicle #2: Norfolk Southern Locomotive (3 engines pulling 22 cars)

Resume:
Ellendale, DE- The Delaware State Police are investigating an early afternoon crash that involved a train and a car.

The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. as Brandon A. Rudy was operating a 2013 Subaru Impreza eastbound on Main Street approaching the railroad tracks near Railroad Avenue. Rudy failed to stop for the crossing signal and entered into the path of a southbound Norfolk Southern train with three engines and 22 cars attached. The train struck the Impreza on the driver's side causing the vehicle to spin counter-clockwise and come to a stop on the east side of the tracks. The locomotive and its cars were able to come to a stop without derailment just south of Main Street.

Brandon Rudy, who was properly restrained, was partially entrapped in the vehicle and was extricated by Ellendale Volunteer Fire Company before being transported to Milford Memorial Hospital. He was later transferred to Christiana Medical Center where he is currently admitted in critical by stable condition.

None of the personnel on the train were injured in the collision.

Troopers are continuing their investigation into this incident. Traffic on Main Street was diverted to side streets for approximately an hour and a half as the crash was investigated and cleared.