On Wednesday September 6th at approximately 10:20 AM, Mount Vernon Police and Fire were dispatched to a vehicle vs. train accident at Riverside Drive and Alder Lane.

A Burlington Northern freight train was south bound through Mount Vernon when it collided with a 2005 Acura RL 4-Door at the Alder Street crossing.  The Acura was north bound on Riverside Drive being driven by a 67 year old Sedro Woolley man.

Witnesses report that the rail road crossing arms were down and the driver of the Acura drove around the barrier, striking the arm and continuing across the tracks when the vehicle was struck by the train.

The rear of the Acura was sheared off just behind the front seat, coming to rest approximately 30 feet north of the front of the vehicle.  The gas tank from the vehicle was separated and slid across the road coming to rest under the front of a 1998 Ford Windstar van, puncturing the van's radiator.  The driver of the van was not injured.

The driver of the Acura was transported to Skagit Valley Hospital where he was examined. 

Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is encouraged to contact the Mount Vernon Police Department at (360) 336-6271.

The investigation is continuing.

Ken Bergsma                                                              
Mount Vernon Police