On April 2, 2025, a tragic accident in North Tonawanda, New York, claimed the lives of three individuals when an Amtrak train collided with a pickup truck at the Felton Street railroad crossing. The victims were identified as 69-year-old David McMinn and 66-year-old Olive Geldart, both of North Tonawanda, and 6-year-old Ra’Mari Geldart of Buffalo.
Incident Details
According to reports, the pickup truck turned off River Road onto Felton Street and stopped on the train tracks as the railroad’s gates closed around them. An oncoming Amtrak train, traveling from New York City to Niagara Falls, struck the vehicle, pushing it several hundred feet. Tragically, all three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities noted that a traffic stop was occurring directly on the other side of the tracks at the time of the accident. Witnesses suggested that this traffic stop may have prevented the pickup truck from crossing, leading to the fatal collision. North Tonawanda Police Chief Keith Glass stated that there was no reason to shut down Felton Street for the traffic stop, a standard procedure for such situations.
Investigation and Legal Actions
The North Tonawanda Police Department, in collaboration with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Sources indicated that the FRA’s review could take two to three months to complete.
In the aftermath, the families of Olive and Ra’Mari Geldart retained legal representation and filed a petition against the City of North Tonawanda and its police department. The petition aimed to obtain records related to the incident, including body camera footage, dash camera recordings, and other pertinent documents. The families’ attorneys expressed concerns about the police department’s handling of the traffic stop and its potential role in the accident.
Community Response and Safety Measures
The tragic event deeply affected the North Tonawanda community. Superintendent Williams of the Buffalo Public School District extended condolences and deployed crisis prevention teams to assist students and staff at BPS 90, where young Ra’Mari was a student.
Local officials, including North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec, emphasized the need to review and enhance safety measures at railroad crossings. Discussions included considerations for improved signage, lighting, and public awareness campaigns to prevent future tragedies.
This incident marked the second fatal accident involving a train and vehicle in North Tonawanda within the same year. In January 2024, a 29-year-old woman was killed in a similar collision at the Witmer Road railroad crossing near River Road.
Legislative and Regulatory Actions
In response to the accident, Congressman Tim Kennedy called for an expedited investigation by the FRA and urged for recommendations to improve safety at the CSX-owned crossing. Kennedy highlighted the prevalence of such incidents nationwide, noting that hundreds of fatalities occur annually at at-grade crossings. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent future tragedies.
Conclusion
The fatal train accident in North Tonawanda underscored the critical importance of railroad crossing safety and the need for comprehensive measures to protect motorists and pedestrians. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the community remains committed to honoring the memories of the victims and implementing changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.