2 kids killed in N.C. car-Amtrak crash

DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Two children were killed when a vehicle driven by their mother became trapped at a North Carolina railroad crossing and was struck by a train, officials say.

Durham, N.C., police spokeswoman Kammie Michael said Calvin Brandon, 9, and Hasan Bingham, 6, asleep in the back of the sport utility vehicle Tuesday when their mother Deborah Bingham drove onto a railroad crossing, became hemmed in by cars in front and back, and was hit by an Amtrak passenger train, The (Raleigh) News & Observer reported.

Michael said Bingham backed up onto the tracks she had crossed after a gate on the north side of the crossing struck her windshield, placing the SUV in the path of the train, the Amtrak Carolinian, which was traveling at 74 mph.

"There were vehicles in front of her and behind her, and that is why she could not move further than she did," Michael told the newspaper.

Bingham, who was wearing a seat belt, was treated for minor injuries at Duke Medical Center, The News & Observer said.