Amtrak train splits car in two when driver ignores signals near Madera

A Fresno driver who ignored railroad crossing signals near Madera was struck by an Amtrak train early Monday morning, splitting his car in two and causing major injuries to the man.

The collision happened around 7 a.m. near Avenue 15 1/2, just east of Madera city limits. Donald Dickson, 32, was driving a 2013 Cadillac ATS when he drove around the crossing arms and was struck by the Amtrak train, the California Highway Patrol said. His car was split in two, and Dickson suffered major injuries. He was taken to Community Regional Medical Center.

None of the passengers in the Amtrak train were harmed, and the train was cleared to continue on its route.

This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 6:22 PM with the headline "Amtrak train splits car in two when driver ignores signals near Madera."