A devastating crash between a passenger train and a car claimed five lives Wednesday night in Gary, Indiana, shaking the local community and prompting renewed warnings about railroad safety.
According to the Daily Caller, five family members were ejected and killed after their vehicle was struck by a South Shore Line train while reportedly trying to maneuver past a lowered crossing gate.
The collision occurred shortly after nightfall on June 25 at the intersection of U.S. Highway 20 and Utah Street. According to a statement from the Gary Police Department, the car attempted to bypass safety measures by driving around a lowered gate at the railroad crossing. At that moment, a South Shore Line passenger train traveling along its usual route collided with the vehicle. Authorities confirmed that all five occupants inside the car were ejected due to the force of the impact. Emergency responders arrived quickly but pronounced all five victims dead at the scene. The vehicle was so severely damaged that identification and notification of next of kin required assistance from the Lake County Coroner’s Office.
Victims Identified As Young Adults From One Family
Police officials later revealed that all five deceased individuals were members of the same family. The victims were identified as De’Mario Craig, 24; Maurice Parrish, 20; Bryon Towns, 21; Sherise Parrish, 20; and Latianna King, 20. Howard Hawkins, the father of Bryon Towns, also shared that his son was traveling with his girlfriend, with whom he shared a baby daughter.
No passengers aboard the South Shore Line train were injured during the incident. The train, which provides commuter rail service through northern Indiana and into Chicago, has had a strong safety record, making this collision even more jarring for the regional transit system. South Shore Line President Mike Noland addressed the crash publicly, urging all drivers to obey crossing signals and respect the danger posed by active train routes. He underscored that this was the first time in 2025 a fatal crash involving a car had occurred on their line.
Railroad Officials Emphasize Safety At Crossings
“Whenever there’s an active crossing protection that’s activated, do not cross the tracks,” Noland stated. He reminded the public that ignoring the barriers poses a serious risk to drivers and those around them.
He added, “It’s not worth the 30 seconds or a minute that you’re going to save. You’re putting yourself and others' lives at risk.” The transportation executive implored drivers to be patient rather than risk a tragic outcome. Witnesses at the scene corroborated the initial reports from law enforcement, describing how the car bypassed the lowered gates shortly before it was hit. The train, moving at operational speed along the established route, had no opportunity to stop in time to avoid the crash.
Father Of Victim Shares Emotional Reaction
Family members who spoke publicly expressed overlap between grief and disbelief. Howard Hawkins, father to Bryon Towns, described the sudden loss as overwhelming and surreal. He noted that the reality of his son's death hadn't fully set in.
“It ain’t going to probably hit me until I go home and go to sleep,” he said. Hawkins added that he expects emotions to flood in during quiet moments, reflecting the deep emotional toll the tragedy is already taking on loved ones. He also confirmed that one of the victims, Towns’ girlfriend, was the mother of their shared daughter. This means a child is now left without both parents, further deepening the tragedy that struck the family on Wednesday night.
Police Urge Public To Obey Crossing Warnings
The Gary Police Department released a statement calling for increased awareness and caution at all railroad intersections. Officials emphasized that lowered gates and flashing lights serve as critical indicators of approaching danger, not inconveniences to be ignored.
“The Gary Police Department extends our sincere condolences to the friends and families of those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” the statement said. The department assured that it would continue to support the families through the aftermath of their loss. Law enforcement also used the press release to promote safe behavior near railroads, reminding the public that decisions made in moments of impatience can have irreversible consequences. Officers are expected to review surveillance footage and witness statements as part of their ongoing investigation.
Train Operator Offers Condolences, Affirms Commitment to Safety
The South Shore Line, operated by Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), has long maintained rigorous safety protocols. The organization is working with local authorities to fully examine the factors involved in the collision.
President Mike Noland reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to safety and cooperation with investigators. He said that the South Shore Line would use this incident as a reminder of the vital importance of respecting railway signals and barriers. Train services in the area resumed shortly after the site was cleared and deemed safe, and transportation officials confirmed that infrastructure at the crossing remains operational. There is no indication that equipment malfunction contributed to the crash.
Community Prepares For Vigils And Mourning
In Gary and surrounding communities, preparations are already being made for public tributes to the victims. While no official memorial had been announced as of Saturday evening, friends and neighbors expressed intentions to gather informally at the scene in the coming days. Bereavement counselors and grief support groups have also reached out to offer services to family members and classmates of the deceased. Social media is filled with condolence messages and photographs honoring the five young victims who lost their lives. As the investigation continues, community members and officials alike are reflecting not just on the victims but also on the critical need to follow railroad safety laws. One bad decision, authorities say, can mean the difference between life and death.
