Local News
34-year-old Chantal McCray killed after struck by freight train in southwest Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman who was killed after being struck by a freight train Wednesday morning in southwest Birmingham.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim was identified as 34-year-old Chantal Janay McCray of Jacksonville, Florida.
The fatal incident occurred around 8:23 a.m. in the 3900 block of Bessemer Avenue, near Jefferson Avenue in southwest Birmingham.
Officials said a southbound Norfolk Southern freight train struck McCray while she was standing on the railroad tracks. Investigators later located her body approximately 100 yards away from the intersection where authorities believe the impact initially occurred.
Emergency personnel from the Birmingham Police Department, Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service, and the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene following reports of the collision.
McCray was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:51 a.m., according to the coroner’s office.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine exactly what happened before the train struck the victim.
The tragic incident caused a significant emergency response in the area as investigators processed the scene and gathered evidence related to the fatal collision.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.