Border Patrol agents killed in train crash
Authorities say two Border Patrol agents were killed when they crossed a marked railroad crossing and their SUV was struck by the freight train. (Dec. 16, 2010) Credit: AP
Authorities say two Border Patrol agents were rushing to help other agents pursuing a group of suspected illegal immigrants when they crossed a marked railroad crossing and their SUV was struck by the freight train.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio confirms the agents were killed in the Thursday crash. And he says the FBI will be taking over the investigation.
The wreck happened near Gila Bend, about 85 miles southwest of Phoenix. Television video from the scene shows a freight train with a mangled SUV in front of the train's engine.
Yuma Border Patrol sector spokesman Agent Kenneth Quillin says the two agents were trying to position themselves on a road north of the other agents when the crash occurred. He says the suspected illegal immigrants were on foot and none of them have been arrested.
The agents' names are being withheld pending notification of family.
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Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
