Two Klamath Falls residents died Tuesday morning when their sport utility vehicle was struck by a train south of Klamath Falls, according to a press release from Oregon State Police (OSP).
MacKenzie Conway, 33, was operating a 1995 Jeep Cherokee northbound on a gravel frontage road which parallels the railroad tracks next to Highway 97 south of Klamath Falls.
A Union Pacific train struck a Jeep Cherokee near Klamath Falls, Ore. Dec. 10, 2013, killing two.
Photo: Oregon State Police
Conway attempted to cross the railroad tracks at the marked crossing, and the Jeep was struck on the passenger side by a northbound Union Pacific train, killing Conway, and his sister-in-law, Kalla Conway, 25. Although the crossing was marked, it did not have crossing guards.
The train continued north for about a mile until it was brought to a controlled stop by the engineer. The Jeep was pushed off the tracks by the train and came to a rest.
Nicholas Conway, 27, and brother of the driver, was ejected from the rear seat but survived. Despite having serious injuries, he was able to walk across Highway 97 to the Midway Market, where he was assisted by others until first responders arrived. He was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls.
No injuries were reported for anyone on the train. The investigation is continuing and is led by OSP Recruit Trooper Thomas Andreazzi.