Two Women Killed After Train Collides With Car In OKC

Two women were killed early Saturday morning when a train collided with a car at a crossing near Britton and Western.

2/16/2013 Related Story: OKC Police Investigate Deadly Train Accident

Oklahoma City Police said the warning gates were down at the major intersection but accident actually happened just down the street at a crossing that does not have gates. It was unclear whether the women tried to beat the train or did not see the flashing red lights.

Accident investigators spend hours trying to figure out what caused the deadly accident around 2:30 a.m. Saturday. The collision killed Miayi Mathis, 44, and her 61-year-old mother, Loyce Adeymi.

"We can really say if they attempted to beat the train or if they were not away of the flashing lights. They are not the traffic arms that come down," said Captain Nate Tarver with the OCPD.

Employees at Britton Lumber, which is located at the crossing where the crash happened, said it has been common over the years for drivers to avoid approaching trains by cutting through the nearby residential neighborhood. Their security cameras have caught cars buzzing in front of approaching trains.

"Near misses, probably a dozen or more a week. Not close, but people beating the train," said Russell Scott, a sales representative for Britton Lumber. "Most of the inside staff including the owners who are here every day, we all kind of gasp."

Police on scene said the area can be confusing for unfamiliar drivers and they have responded to several crashes here over the years.

"I've been here approximately four years and this is the third train [and] vehicle collision that I've seen since I've been here," Scott added.

Burlington North Santa Fe said the lead locomotive on the train was equipped with a camera and they will look at the footage as part of the on-going investigation.

A representative urged drivers to obey warning signals and not try to beat any train.