WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Three people were seriously injured early Thursday evening in a car/train crash in Cass County’s Marcellus Township.
Investigation shows that the 44-year-old driver, Dustin Hooker, a Battle Creek Resident, was driving northbound on Savage Road near Waterstradt Street. As the vehicle approached the railroad crossing, Hooker advised that his brakes failed, resulting in the vehicle colliding with the passing train. The impact caused the passengers, 33-year-old Gayland Campbell of Marcellus, and 43-year-old Paul Smith, of Tekonsha, to be ejected from the vehicle. Paul Smith was air lifted to Bronson Hospital by Med Flight in critical condition, Gayland Campbell was transported by Three Rivers Ambulance in critical condition to Bronson and Dustin Hooker was transported to Bronson by Pride Care Ambulance in stable condition. Nobody was hurt in the CN train.
A seatbelt was worn by the driver, but not the passengers. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a factor. This crash remains under investigation.
Assisting agencies include Marcellus Fire and EMS, Newberg Township Fire Department, Three Rivers Fire Department, Pride Care EMS, Canadian National Police, and Med Flight.
