Driver killed in train collision identified

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police have identified the South Florida driver struck and killed by an Amtrak train.

Fifty-six-year-old Neuza Harris was killed Wednesday night when her car was broadsided by that train, along Sample Road.

Vonetta Bain saw the woman whose car got stuck in between the down gates as the Amtrak train approached. "She was just moving the car forward and back, trying to see where she can go, so she can get out," said Bain.

Bain was walking her two kids down Sample Road yelling desperately to the woman who was in panic. "You just hear everyone saying, 'Oh, my gosh, get out the car!' That's all you heard, 'Oh, my gosh, get out, get out!' and it was so terrifying."

The driver stayed inside her car as the train slammed into her vehicle. "When the train was coming, I saw fire on the train tracks," said a witness.

The train hit the car with a lot of force. It burst into flames and landed in a ditch. The passengers who were on board the train that was bound for Miami felt the hard hit. "It was a big thump. And it kind of jolted the train," said a passenger.

Crews have checked the down gates to make sure they are properly working.

Sample Road was closed for sometime and has since reopened.

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