One dies when train hits car in Independence

A freight train struck a car Sunday morning in Independence, killing a passenger of the car and injuring two others.

Independence police said the driver of a Ford Escort drove around a flashing railroad gate about 1 a.m. at tracks on Pleasant Street near South Avenue.

A westbound Union Pacific train collided with the car, which was pushed several hundred feet before the engineer could bring the train to a stop.

A female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the car and another passenger, both male, were taken to an area hospital, police said. No identities have been released.

Police are still investigating the crash.