MONROE COUNTY, Tennessee — An initial report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol said a driver failed to stop for the railroad crossbars and continued through the crossing, striking a CSX train on Friday. The driver was killed, identified as 44-year-old Bridgett Pearson.
10News went to the crossing and found there were no crossbars.
Some Monroe County community members said they have concerns about the crossing not having precautions. They said the only warnings are signs right before the crossing. Some said the trains blow their horns when approaching the crossing, but that doesn't always happen.
"There's so much railroad in Monroe County and there's so many crossways that don't have crossbars. And I think that's just a danger to the community," said Brandon Goodby, a Monroe County resident. "In the past year, there was an accident in Sweetwater as well. So, I just try to stay clear of them as much as I can."
Another local, Richard Harris, owns a collision center. He said that while he was used to crashes, the first thing that came to his mind was her family.
"I've seen about everything. I've been here 18 years. But that particularly hurts me because the young kids are going to have to grow up without a mom," Harris said.
A CSX spokesperson told 10News there were no reported injuries to the crew of the train.
"CSX appreciates the swift response of Monroe County. CSX extends its deepest sympathies to everyone impacted by this tragic incident, and we will work to support local law enforcement as they investigate," a statement from CSX said.