(The following story appeared on the WNEM website on June 18, 2010.)
LAPEER COUNTY, Mich. — The Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office said a 26-year-old man cheated almost certain death when his vehicle collided with an Amtrak train Friday morning.
Deputies said James Brimmer, of Flint, drove his 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix around the railroad crossing arms into the path of a westbound train around 7 a.m. on Lake Nepessing Road.
The train had just departed the Lapeer Station and had not reached its normal operating speed.
Deputies said the collision still split the Grand Prix in half and sent one of the vehicle’s wheels into the window of a nearby tax service building.
Brimner, the lone occupant of the vehicle, walked away with scratches on his left knee and declined medical treatment.
Deputies said Bimmer was cited for several law violations.