DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A man is dead and a woman is critically injured after a CSX freight train struck their car early Tuesday morning in DeKalb County.

The crash happened about 2 a.m. at the North Clarendon Avenue and Ponce de Leon crossing in Scottdale.

The train stopped on the tracks for about two hours following the crash. The collision badly damaged the drive-side of the car, while the train appeared to show no damage.

DeKalb police said the man who died had been driving the vehicle. The woman was the passenger. Officials said their preliminary investigation suggests the vehicle was stopped on the tracks and the driver was trying to help the passenger get out before the train arrived.

CSX told Atlanta News First that no one on the train suffered injuries. The freight train’s cars remained on the tracks, and the train later resumed movement.

“CSX extends its deepest sympathies to everyone impacted by this tragic incident and will continue to support local law enforcement as they complete the investigation,” CSX said in a statement to Atlanta News First.

The crossing arms appeared to be in down position in the moments after the crash, but CSX has yet to confirm if they were working properly. CSX crews spent hours on the scene testing the gates and appeared to make repairs to them.

CSX and DeKalb Police are continuing to investigate why the car was on the tracks when the train came through. Authorities are reminding drivers that trains can weigh up to 6,000 tons and may take more than a mile to stop. Drivers are urged to wait if crossing gates are down or warning lights are flashing, noting that doing so could save lives.

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