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SALT LAKE CITY -- A minivan collided with a TRAX train in downtown Salt Lake City Tuesday morning near the intersection of 200 South and Main Street.
The driver of the van was not seriously hurt, but was taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Salt Lake City police say the 57-year-old driver of the van was driving parallel to the TRAX train on Main Street. He was trying to make a U-turn when he was hit by the train.
"Somehow he just didn't see the train in his rearview or side view mirrors when he executed the left turn and went directly into the train's path," said Detective Dennis McGowan with Salt Lake City police.
Riders and others will tell you it isn't uncommon to see people walking and turning in front of the trains -- especially downtown.
Dennis Kent was a TRAX passenger and could only watch as the train hit the minivan. "This guy comes barreling around the corner and angled up and was right in front," he said.
The van received extensive damage on its front end and its side after the collision.
Police say it's more proof you can't expect to beat a train.
The entire intersection of 200 South and Main Street was shut down as the van was towed away and the TRAX train was put back on the tracks.
The driver was cited for making an illegal left turn.
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Story compiled with contributions from Marc Giauque and Mary Richards.
