(May 13, 2026 – Gurley, Alabama)
A father and daughter were killed, and another daughter injured, in the afternoon of Wednesday, May 13, 2026, after being involved in a vehicle-train collision. The crash occurred at approximately 6:13 p.m. near the entrance to Vulcan Materials Company at Highway 72 and Salty Bottom Road in Gurley, Alabama.
The two fatalities have been identified as father, Keegan Scott Davis, 36, and daughter, McKinley Davis, both of Gurley. Keegan Davis’ other daughter that was injured remains unnamed at this time. Few details surrounding the circumstances preceding the collision have been released. Witnesses at the scene report that, after the train struck the vehicle, the train did not come to a stop until five minutes had elapsed. The father and daughter were pronounced dead at the scene. The other child was transported to Huntsville Hospital Women’s and Children’s by Huntsville Medical Services. She is expected to survive the collision.
According to records submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration, the intersection where the catastrophic collision occurred is a public, at-grade Norfolk Southern Railway Company crossing. It sees an average of 14 day and night trains that average speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. The crossing lacks any safety barriers, such as active warning devices—lights and gates. The crossing is immediately adjacent to Highway 72, which has a minimum of four lanes of traffic at a given time. Additionally, a dense stretch of trees lines the northern side of the tracks. Collectively, the characteristics of the crossing may make it dangerous for motorists, as they are tasked with being vigilant for oncoming trains and several lines of traffic from varying directions, all while their view may be obstructed by vegetation.
Huntsville Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate the collision.