Driver charged after crashing into Amtrak train at Rocky Mount crossing

ROCKY MOUNT, NC (WWAY) — A Rocky Mount man is facing charges after police say he drove around activated railroad crossing arms and collided with the side of an Amtrak train Wednesday afternoon.

Officers with the Rocky Mount Police Department responded around 2:40 p.m. Feb. 25 to the Bassett Street railroad crossing for a reported crash involving a sedan and a train.

Police said a sedan driven by Tai Vu, 34, of Rocky Mount, was traveling eastbound when he drove around the activated crossing arms while a train was passing. The vehicle then struck the side of the Amtrak train.

No injuries were reported.

The crash caused damage to the train engine, prompting a temporary closure of the tracks and the railroad crossing for several hours to allow for repairs and investigation. The area has since reopened.

Vu was charged with failure to stop for railroad crossing arms, careless and reckless driving, and no operator’s license.