Second Update (March 26, 2026): The passenger of the truck is identified as 22-year-old Dorian Batiste, who was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. The driver of the truck was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital Wednesday evening. One of the trains passengers was treated for a panic attack following the crash. The TPSO Major Crash team is evaluating a potential malfunction with the truck’s brakes as a possible contributing factor.
First Update (March 26, 2026): The vehicle involved in this incident was a pick-up truck with two occupants. The driver was hospitalized. His status is unknown at this time. The passenger, a male in his 20s, died on scene. One passenger on the Amtrak train was hospitalized. The cause of the individual’s injuries and their current status is unknown. Deputies have learned the truck was traveling eastbound on Ponders Lane from Hwy 51 and the driver somehow didn't see the train coming. The crossing in question does not have lights or arms, but does have a yield sign on one side and a stop sign on the other. The TPSO wants to remind all drivers of the best practices when encountering a railroad crossing to avoid tragedies like this:
- Always stop and look both ways before crossing.
- If a crossing does not have lights and arms, stop longer and look TWICE before crossing.
- Never stop on top of the tracks.
Today (March 25, 2026) at 2:40 PM, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office responded to a train vs. vehicle crash on Highway 51 and Ponders Quarters Lane just south of Amite. Highway 51 was closed but reopened at 4:40 PM. This incident involved an Amtrak train with 149 passengers.
TPSO reports two victims were transported for injuries and a third victim is confirmed deceased.
The involved train has been released from the scene and is southbound toward its destination.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
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