A freight train horrifically collided into a vehicle in Oakley, California bay area leaving a 12-year-old boy dead and the driver – a 19-year-old critically injured.
According to the reports, the terrifying collision involved two other vehicles as well apart from the totaled car. The car, which was slammed by the freight train, was carrying just two passengers – siblings. The other two vehicles involved in the horrific crash were not struck by the train but were damaged by the flying debris of the totaled car.
According to the police, the initial collision between the freight train and the car caused one of the vehicles nearby to flip which injured three others, however, the nature of their injuries remains unknown.
The deceased 12-year-old boy was identified as Joshua Schaefer while the driver of the car was his 19 years old sister; Kaylee Schaefer who had to be airlifted to the John Muir medical center in the Walnut Creek area. Her condition remains critical.
The incident took place around 1.00 pm when the car was smashed by the train.
The Oakley police arrived along with the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District firefighters but pronounced Joshua Schaefer dead on the spot.
The City of Oakley tweeted; advising people to be safe and “stay away from the area of the railroad tracks and East Cypress road.” The post also mentioned that “there has been a fatal collision between an individual and a train. Take alternate routes, as traffic is heavy in the area.”
In a separate post, details of the horrific accident were shared explaining “that shortly before 1 pm a vehicle which had been traveling westbound on East Cypress collided with a train. One passenger has been pronounced dead at the scene & the driver was transported for treatment. OPD asks you to AVOID the area.”
According to the East Contra Costa Fire District, this is the third incident of the year that involved a collision between a car and a train. Chief Ross Macumber stated that “if the crossing arms are down, don’t ever try to beat a train. They are down for a reason. The trains come through at a high rate of speed and they don’t stop for a long time. never try and beat a train.”
A GoFundMe page was set up to support the family both emotionally and financially during these trying times as the family is in dire need of help to pay Kaylee’s medical bills and prepare for Joshua’s funeral.
