Couple drives into stopped train

Versailles Bypass reopens after pickup hits train

Couple drives into stopped train

An investigation is underway into why the lights at a railroad crossing weren't working early Friday.

Versailles Police say that's what caused a pickup to crash into a stopped train along the U.S. 60 Bypass around 2 a.m.

Marion Wilson was driving with his wife Mary to pick up copies of the Lexington Herald-Leader to deliver in the area, as they do every morning.

But Friday, just seconds after leaving their home, they crashed into a train that was stopped at a railroad crossing on the bypass and was blocking all four lanes.

Police say the area was very dark, and the caution lights weren't flashing.

"The railroad crossing signal lights were not working at the time. So visibility was very low," says Lt. Daniel Clark with Versailles Police.

The Wilson's pickup truck crashed into a flat bed train car and burst into flames.

An ambulance took Marion, who goes by "Ace," to UK hospital. His wife Mary was air-lifted to UK.

Friends of the couple are wishing for the best after the accident.

"It was a shock to hear that they were involved in a wreck, but I'm hoping in my heart they're okay, and our prayers are with them," says Iva Jane Currens, who's known Mr. Wilson for years.

Police say the train was stopped because the operating railroad company, RJ Corman, was moving railroad cars.

Officials with the Kentucky Department of Transportation say they are responsible for signage and any road markings leading up to a railroad crossing.

They tell us the railroad company is responsible for operating and maintaining the lights or signals.

A Spokesperson with RJ Corman says they are collecting information and conducting their own investigation of the entire incident. No word from them yet on why the signals weren't working.

Police say they do not expect the tracks to be used until the problem is detected and fixed.

At last check "Ace" Wilson is in fair condition at UK and his wife Mary is in critical condition.

The couple is the aunt and uncle of Versailles Police Chief John Wilhoit.