Car-train accident injures 1; railroad crossing arms failed

An accident at Porter Road and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks at about 4 p.m. yesterday closed traffic and injured the driver of the vehicle, who was crossing the tracks southbound on Porter Road.

Maricopa Police spokesman Ricky Alvarado said there were two occupants in the car. The driver, 55-year-old Zack Coryellbattle, was transported to Chandler Regional Medical Center and released last night.

Alvarado said a westbound service train was working on the tracks and, according to a Union Pacific representative, kicked up debris that blocked the railroad crossing arms’ sensor.  

“We’re still trying to get an accurate diagram of the scene, which could take some time because we have to do it to scale,” Alvarado said.

One detail is certain, according to Alvarado: “The arms didn’t work like they’re supposed to.”