A woman who died while crossing railroad tracks in Bessemer has been identified

BESEMER, Alabama (WBRC) – The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim who died Wednesday when the SUV she was riding in was struck by a train in Bessemer.

Claudia Mae Dreffs, 21, of Hayden, was ejected from her vehicle when she and the driver of the SUV crossed the railroad tracks on 32nd Street near Carolina Avenue and were struck by the train.

The woman died on the spot, and the driver was transported to hospital in serious condition.

The accident occurred around 1:17 p.m

A spokesperson for Norfolk Southern confirmed that the warning devices at this railroad crossing are working as intended.

“The crossing warning devices activated yesterday 29 seconds before the train reached this crossing,” Norfolk Southern added.

Bessemer police are still investigating the crash.

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