An elderly couple was killed this afternoon in a grade crossing collision in Clinton Township, MI (Detroit metro area). Their car was stopped on the tracks between the gates when struck by the Canadian National train. This is ex-Grand Trunk Western track that runs from Detroit to Port Huron.
Following is the complete story:
Bernard Schoof, 86 and his wife Frances Schoof, 82, were pronounced dead at the scene. The couple owned Flowers By Frances, a flower shop located on Harper Road, south of Crocker Boulevard in Clinton Township.
Police said the collision occurred at about 6:40 p.m. near Elizabeth Road and North Avenue. The couple was in a 2008 Chevy Impala.
The train was traveling from Detroit to Port Huron.
Witnesses said the couple's vehicle had been stopped on the tracks and the gates were down on both sides of the car.
Police said they believe the driver, Bernard Schoof, was confused and the crash was not a suicide. Police said Bernard Schoof tried to open the door right before the crash.
Police said he also may have been trying to move the car right before the crash.
"He was making a movement in the vehicle with his hands towards the gear shifter," said Clinton Township Police Lieutenant Anthony Greene. "We will re-interview the witnesses. They were very shaken up as you can understand. We will re-interview them and try to exactly pinpoint what was going on."
Police said the crossing gates were working at the tracks.
Jonathon Jordon saw the crash.
"We were approximately a couple feet away and you could see two people inside the car," Jordan said.
Christin McKenna also saw the accident.
"Literally, you seen the car just being dragged right down the tracks and obviously you go and try to do whatever you can," McKenna said.
Mike
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