ROCKWOOD, Pa. — Two Somerset County women were killed Thursday morning when a CSX freight train collided with their vehicle at a railroad crossing in Rockwood Borough. The fatal crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. at the Bridge Street crossing, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Authorities identified the victims as 67-year-old Susan Spangler and 85-year-old Deloris Latshaw, both of Somerset. Police said the train struck the vehicle on the driver’s side, resulting in a devastating impact. One woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other later died at Conemaugh Hospital. Officials have not confirmed which of the two women was driving at the time.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and secured the scene. Investigators confirmed that all railroad crossing signals and gates were functioning properly at the time of the collision. Despite this, it remains unclear why the vehicle was on the tracks as the train approached. None of the train crew members were injured during the crash.
State police, along with the Somerset County Coroner’s Office, remained on the scene for several hours collecting evidence and examining the site. The train line was temporarily shut down during the investigation. Autopsies for both women were scheduled for the following day to help determine the precise cause of death and possibly shed light on the moments leading up to the collision.
The loss has deeply shaken the Rockwood community, where both victims were longtime residents. Neighbors expressed sorrow and disbelief, remembering the women as kind, familiar faces in the area. For a small town, the tragedy has left a lasting emotional impact, highlighting how quickly life can change in the face of unforeseen accidents.
While rare, vehicle-train collisions are often fatal due to the sheer force of impact. Officials are reminding drivers to always heed crossing signals and never attempt to cross when warning systems are active. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and are asking any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward to help build a clearer picture of how the tragedy unfolded.