DOYLINE, La. (AP) — A north Louisiana woman has died from train crash injuries that police say she suffered while trying to get her 2-year-old grandson out of harm’s way.
Rebecca Woodard, a 51-year-old Minden resident, was hit Saturday at a Kansas City Southern Railway crossing in Doyline. She was taken to a Shreveport hospital where she died later.
Doyline Police Chief Robert Hayden described Woodard as a “hero” to KTBS-TV, saying the woman was still trying to free the 2-year-old when the train hit her 1997 Chevrolet Blazer, which had stalled while crossing the tracks.
Woodard and an older grandchild had tried to push the SUV off the tracks, said Louisiana State Police spokesperson Brent Hardy.
As a train approached, police say Woodard told the older grandchild to run while she attempted to free the 2-year-old who was still in the SUV. She was still trying get the child out when she was struck by the train, Hayden said.
The younger grandchild suffered what authorities described as moderate injuries.
State police say that people should get out of any disabled car on the tracks and move away, even if they can’t see a train. Police then advise motorists to call the emergency phone number listed on crossing signs to advise railroads of the hazard.