Two men died Saturday evening after their vehicle traveled through active railroad crossing arms and was struck by an oncoming train in San Joaquin County.
The California Highway Patrol reported the collision occurred around 7:15 p.m. at the railroad crossing located along W. Armstrong Road.
According to the CHP, the driver of a 2007 GMC pickup accelerated and drove through the active railroad crossing arms. The vehicle was subsequently struck by a BNSF train, an impact that caused the truck to catch fire.
CHP added the 29-year-old driver and a 37-year-old passenger, both identified as residents of Lodi, died as a result of the collision, CBS Sacramento reported.
The BNSF train was traveling on a route from Fresno to Pasco, Washington, at the time of the incident. BNSF confirmed the collision caused the lead locomotive of the train to derail. No members of the BNSF crew sustained injuries during the crash.
The California Highway Patrol stated that the collision remains under investigation. Officials have not yet determined if driving under the influence was a factor in the incident.