(The following story appeared on the Newark Post website on March 26, 2009.)
NEWARK, Del. — A number of University of Delaware students saved a Newark resident, whose car was in the path of a train.
Newark Police reported that on Wednesday March 25 at 9:02 p.m., a 1999 white Pontiac Grand Am, driven by Anne J. Griffith, 60, of Newark, crossed the CSX railroad tracks near the intersection of West Main Street and New London Road, Newark. The car’s driver was northbound on New London Road, but realized she was not where she wanted to be. The driver turned right onto the tracks, mistakenly thinking it was a roadway. Her car became lodged on the train tracks.
Four passers-by noticed the car stuck on the tracks, and tried to free it by lifting and pushing while the operator remained inside. As the group was attempting to move the car, the train crossing signals went on, indicating an approaching train. The group of four University of Delaware students, consisting of Alex Crespo, Frank DiPietrapaul, and two others, assisted the driver from the car and walked her a safe distance away.
Shortly thereafter, the eastbound train entered the crossing and struck the car. The car was pushed approximately 100 feet before being thrown from the tracks behind the Deer Park Tavern. The train came to a stop before reaching the North College Avenue crossing.
No one was injured. CSX train traffic was halted for three hours while the crash was investigated.
The identities of the remaining two rescuers are not being released at this time because they have not yet been interviewed by the crash investigator.