Train Hits Car Abandoned On Railroad Tracks In Socorro

A car that was left abandoned on railroad tracks was struck by a train early Thursday in Socorro.

Socorro police officers were dispatched to a vehicle accident involving a train about 3:30 a.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, officers found a gold Chevrolet Malibu that had been hit by an eastbound train.

Investigators said no one was in the car at the time of the accident, but determined that the driver tried to cross the tracks to drive down a canal bank on the opposite side and the car became struck. The approaching train was unable to stop before it hit the Malibu. The impact destroyed the car and flipped it on to its side.

Witnesses told Socorro police at the scene that they saw two occupants get out of the vehicle before the crash, and get into a white SUV and flee.

Investigators said the car is registered to Salvador Hernandez, who lives in Socorro on Ululani Drive. Hernandez told investigators that he has both sets of keys to the car and that his son was at home. The owner now claims the vehicle was stolen.

The case has been turned over to Socorro detectives.