Train Operated By Park Partner Collides With Car

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR), a park partner, was operating its holiday “Polar Express” train on NPS-owned tracks en route to picking up visitors at the Akron Depot on the afternoon of November 15th when it collided with a motor vehicle. Two juveniles were traveling to Hudson in their father’s car when they missed their turn and decided to use a driveway to turn around. The driveway went up a hill and over the railroad tracks. As they were backing up, the car crossed the tracks and its passenger side rear tire got stuck. The two kids inside got out to evaluate their situation, at which point they heard the train coming and ran up the driveway and away from the tracks. The crew of the train saw the vehicle on the tracks as they came around a blind curve – they blew the train’s horn and rang its bell and hit the emergency brakes. The engine hit the vehicle just as it was coming to a stop, pushing the car just a few feet down the tracks. Akron Police Department officers and rangers Rose Akins and Jeff Stell investigated. There were no injuries. The quick action of CVSR personnel prevented more damage to the vehicle.