By Staff
Story and photos by Mary-Allison Lancaster
Despite warnings from a train whistle and car horns, a car turned in front of a train in downtown Brewton just before noon Saturday, injuring the driver and halting traffic for nearly an hour.
According to eyewitnesses traveling behind the car, Teresa Simmons Ogletree, 49, seemed not to hear or see the train as she crossed over the railroad tracks and was struck on the driver's side by the train.
Ogletree, the only person in her vehicle, escaped with minor injuries including cuts and bruises, said Capt. Randy Nicholson of the Brewton Police Department.
Emergency crews were quickly on the scene to clear up the accident and get traffic moving.
Beth Thompson, who was directly behind the car, said Ogletree was turning left and &#8220she turned right in front of it.”
Thompson said she immediately stopped her car and rushed to see if Ogletree was hurt.
According to the passenger in Thompson's car, who declined to identify herself, it appeared &#8220for a split second she hesitated.”
Ogletree was transported to D.W. McMillan hospital.
No other details were available Saturday.