Local News in Brief : Driver Survives Crash With Train, Is Arrested

A 63-year-old man who survived a collision between his car and a freight train early Tuesday in Simi Valley was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, Simi Valley police said.

The man, Harry McCague of Simi Valley, sustained broken ribs and cuts to his head in the accident, in which he was flung through the car’s rear window, Lt. Mark Layhew said.

McCague was listed in good condition at Simi Valley Adventist Hospital.

Shortly before 1 a.m., McCague tried to beat the Southern Pacific Transportation Co. train through the railroad crossing at 1st and Agnew streets, Layhew said.

As he neared the crossing, McCague apparently realized he could not beat the train and applied the brakes, the police spokesman said. The car stopped on the tracks, and the crossing gate closed behind it, he said.

Railroad employees told police that McCague appeared to be trying to back away from the tracks when the train cut the car in two, Layhew said.

The drunk-driving allegation is based on McCague’s actions before the accident and on “a strong odor of alcohol” on McCague’s breath, he said.