Indianapolis Motorist Killed at Louisville and Indiana Railroad Crossing
(November 22, 2022 – Columbus, Indiana)
A recent collision in Columbus, Indiana near Indianapolis and Long Roads resulted in the tragic death of a local Indiana woman. The Louisville and Indiana Railroad Company reported the crash after 5 p.m. It was the second train fatality in Columbus within two days. First responders arrived and identified the driver, Iris Marie Castellano, 26, of Columbus as deceased. Authorities stated that the train was southbound on the tracks along the east side of Indianapolis Road and the victim’s SUV was westbound on Long Road.
The public railroad crossing where the collision occurred is owned by Louisville & Indiana Railroad Company. According to railroad submitted records, an average of eight trains go through the crossing per day going about 40 to 49 miles per hour. There are flashing lights at the crossing, however, no gates or stop signs to prevent a collision. It is uncertain at this time if the lights were functioning properly at the time of the collision. The crossing has a history of accidents with two other collisions, one of which resulting in another death.
The crash is still being investigated by Columbus Police Department with assistance from Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana State Police.
