A devastating accident in Manlius, New York, has left the community in mourning after 19-year-old Abbas Alshannan lost his life in a tragic collision involving an Amtrak train.
The fatal incident occurred on Friday night when Alshannan, driving a 2019 Toyota Highlander, became trapped in an unimaginable situation that ultimately led to his passing.
Authorities confirmed that his vehicle became immobilized on the train tracks along North Kirkville Road around 10 p.m. The exact reasons why the SUV was stranded remain unclear. At the time of the collision, Alshannan was outside his vehicle when an Amtrak train, traveling at approximately 70 mph, struck both him and his car.
The impact was catastrophic, with the train hitting the SUV with immense force. Tragically, Alshannan was caught between the moving train and his vehicle, leading to his untimely death. The train, carrying 100 passengers, was brought to an abrupt halt following the collision, but the damage had already been done.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite their efforts, Alshannan was pronounced dead at the scene.
The loss of such a young life has deeply affected the Manlius community, leaving family, friends, and loved ones grappling with the shock and heartbreak of the tragedy.
As those close to Alshannan process their grief, many questions remain about the circumstances leading up to the accident. Authorities continue to investigate how his vehicle became stuck on the tracks and why he was outside of it when the train approached.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full details of the incident and whether preventative measures could have been taken. For Alshannan’s family, finding answers will be a crucial part of navigating the painful aftermath of their loss.