Deadly Commuter Train Wreck Near New York City

VALHALLA, N.Y. (AP) — "It must have been pure panic." That's what Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino says about last night's deadly train crash 20 miles north of New York City.

A crowded commuter train slammed into an SUV on the train tracks and burst into flames in Valhalla, New York, killing the SUV driver and six people on the train.

Astorino said 12 people were injured, 10 of them seriously.

Authorities said the SUV's driver had gotten out of her vehicle momentarily after the crossing's safety gates came down around her. She then got back in and was trying to drive forward when she was hit, they said.

Rick Hope said he was stopped directly behind the SUV and said he started to back up to give her room, but instead she pulled forward.

Hope told WNYW-TV the crossing signals were working properly, and the gate was down and bells were ringing. He said the gate lowered and struck the SUV, and the woman got out looking a bit confused.

He said the woman "kind of" wiggled the gate. He said the SUV was at the track line when she pulled forward.