Multiple Cars and Train Involved in Crash on Woodward

Multiple Cars and Train Involved in Crash on Woodward
(OCSO, June 13, 2021)
Pontiac, MI – Deputies were dispatched to a rollover accident. The vehicle had come to a rest partially on the railroad tracks at northbound Woodward Avenue and E. Wilson Avenue. The vehicle was subsequently struck  by an oncoming train.
When Deputies arrived on the scene, they observed that the train was stopped on the tracks and was blocking all of the lanes of traffic on Woodward Avenue.  Deputies also observed three damaged vehicles on northbound Woodward Avenue just south of the railroad track.  A GMC Envoy had rolled onto its passenger side and a Chevy Impala was observed in the center lane with rear-end and passenger side damage. A third vehicle (Saturn Vue) had rear-end damage and front-end damage sustained from a rear end collision with the Impala.
It was found that the Impala had been traveling northbound on Woodward Avenue and had begun to stop due to the railroad crossing lights and railroad safety gate having been activated.  The Saturn was unable to stop in time and rear-ended the Impala.  The Envoy was traveling behind the Saturn and attempted to avoid rear-ending it.  The Envoy swerved and clipped the rear passenger side of the Saturn, which caused it to roll over onto its side, coming to a stop on the southbound train tracks.  An unknown pickup pulling a trailer was also traveling  on northbound Woodward Avenue attempted to avoid the accident.  It swerved to the left of the Impala and began to make a U-Turn.  During the U-Turn, the pickup’s trailer sideswiped the Impala and began dragging it towards the railroad tracks.  The Impala became dislodged from the trailer. The pickup continued to drive away southbound on Woodward Avenue without the driver stopping to identify themselves.  The passenger of the Envoy was able to exit his vehicle along with one of his dogs. He informed Deputies that a  second dog had  jumped out of the vehicle after it rolled over.  A few seconds later, the train struck the Envoy causing it to be pushed into the right curb lane of northbound Woodward Avenue.
OUTCOME OF INCIDENT:  The occupants of the vehicles sustained only minor injuries.  They all refused medical treatment by Star EMS and Waterford Regional Fire Department.  The pickup truck was not located.
The Canadian National Railroad Police responded to the scene and began their investigation.  All vehicles were towed, and Woodward Avenue was reopened.  Deputies assisted the driver of the Envoy with  searching for his dog, but they were unsuccessful.
DRIVER OF IMPALA INFORMATION:  52-year-old female, resident of Clarkston
DRIVER OF SATURN INFORMATION:  20-year-old female, resident of Clarkston
DRIVER OF ENVOY INFORMATION:  47-year-old male, resident of Pontiac
DRIVER OF PICKUP INFORMATION:  Unknown
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