State troopers responded to a report of a crash involving a train and two cars

FERRISBURGH — State troopers responded to a report of a crash involving a train and two cars on October 10 at about 10:51 a.m.on Route 7 near Monkton Road. Investigation revealed a vehicle operated by Alexa Buskey, 46, of Ferrisburgh, was traveling south on US Route 7 before stopping at the signaling railroad grade crossing. At that time, a vehicle operated by Nichole Rampone, 33, of Ferrisburgh, was traveling southbound behind Buskey. Rampone did not notice the flashing railroad signals or Buskey’s vehicle in enough time to stop. In an attempt to avoid a collision with Buskey, Rampone turned right, and struck the rear-passenger’s side of Buskey’s vehicle. Rampone’s vehicle then left the southbound lane, and its front end struck the front-left corner of the train, which was traveling east at less than 30 MPH. This caused Rampone’s vehicle to rotate counterclockwise, and strike the left side of the train. Both cars came to positions of uncontrolled rest. The train was carrying 59 passengers and seven crew members, none of whom were injured. Rampone was transported to Porter Medical Center for a precautionary evaluation. Route 7 was closed for approximately 45 minutes as a result of this incident. Rampone’s 2019 Kia was totaled, while Buskey’s VW Golf had rear-end contact damage. Buskey escaped uninjured. The train had minor contact damage. Troopers were assisted on the scene by members of the Vergennes Police Department, DMV Police, Ferrisburgh Fire Department and Vergennes Area Rescue Squad.