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Train strikes truck in North Tonawanda; 2 adults, boy killed

Three people were killed in a crash that involved a pickup truck and a passenger train Friday night in North Tonawanda.

NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. — Three people were killed in a crash that involved a pickup truck and a passenger train Friday night in North Tonawanda. 

North Tonawanda Police issued an update around 12:20 p.m. Saturday, saying that the victims were a 69-year-old man, a 66-year-old woman, and a 6-year-old boy. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash happened at 7:56 p.m. Friday at River Road (Route 265) and Felton Street, police said.

"Currently there is an ongoing investigation, no further details are available at this time," police said in a statement posted to social media. "We would ask that you respect the privacy of the victim's families and the first responders who were at the scene."

Mayor Austin Tylec told 2 On Your Side on Friday night an Amtrak train with passengers aboard was heading north when it struck a vehicle, which was dragged at least several hundred feet. There were witnesses who saw the collision, and they are talking with North Tonawanda Police.

North Tonawanda fire officials confirmed to Channel 2 on Saturday morning that all three people in the Dodge pickup truck were killed. Their identities and ages were not confirmed at that time as first of kin were still being notified.

2 On Your Side spoke with North Tonawanda police officials Saturday morning and they would not provide any information including why the pickup was on the tracks.

2 On Your Side received a statement from Amtrak, which confirmed that train No. 281 was involved. That train was going from New York City to Niagara Falls when the collision happened around 7:57 p.m.

"There have been no reported injuries to the 21 passengers or crew onboard. Amtrak is working with local law enforcement to investigate the incident," Amtrak said.

This is the second time a vehicle has been struck by a train this year in North Tonawanda.

RELATED: NT car vs. train update

The first crash happened on the morning of Jan. 16 at Witmer Road near River Road. That's where a 2021 Hyundai Elantra driven by a 29-year-old woman had come to a full stop on the tracks, facing west, when it was struck by a southbound Amtrak passenger train that carried 11 passengers and three crew members. 

The woman in the vehicle was transported to Erie County Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead. 

Route 265 was closed in both directions, from Ward Road to Wheatfield Street, some time around 8 p.m., according to NITTEC.

Officials from North Tonawanda told 2 On Your Side that investigators would remain on scene into the overnight hours to secure the scene. 

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