BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY, Ind. — Officials are investigating after two teenagers died in a crash between a train and car.
It happened around 10:17 p.m. Friday when police responded to the area of N. US 31 and W 550 N on reports of a crash.
Upon arrival a gray 2015 Nissan Versa was found with heavy damage as well as a train with heavy front end damage.
According to a witness, the Nissan turned to travel east on W 550 North and failed to yield to the train. The witness said the crossing equipment was working fine and that the train sounded its horn several times.
The driver of the vehicle, 18-year-old Matthew Newland, was taken to an area hospital where he later died. The passenger, 17-year-old Carmyn Elkins was also transported to a hospital where she later died.
The engineer and conductor of the train were uninjured in the crash.
Investigators are reviewing footage of the crash from the train’s dash camera.
The Columbus Police Department, Columbus Fire Department, Indiana State Police, German Township Volunteer Fire Department and Columbus Regional Health all assisted with the crash.
(Photo: Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office)
