Birmingham, January 17, 2026
A devastating collision between a freight train and a minivan in southwest Birmingham resulted in the deaths of two women and injuries to three juveniles. The incident occurred when the minivan driver attempted to bypass a railroad crossing guard. Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, which highlights the critical importance of adhering to railroad crossing signals to prevent further accidents.
Birmingham
Two women died and three juveniles sustained injuries in a devastating collision involving a freight train and a minivan early Friday morning in southwest Birmingham. The incident occurred after the driver of the minivan reportedly attempted to bypass a railroad crossing guard. Authorities have launched an investigation into the fatal crash.
Fatal Collision Details
The tragic accident took place around 1:46 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, in the 1000 block of 24th Street SW in Birmingham. A minivan was struck by a freight train after its driver attempted to drive around a railroad crossing arm. The Birmingham Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Victims Identified
The two women who lost their lives in the crash have been identified as Carolyn Elaine Berry, 47, and Aldereka Laqulla Ikes, 36. Carolyn Elaine Berry was pronounced deceased at the scene of the accident. Aldereka Laqulla Ikes was transported to UAB Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries less than an hour after the collision.
Juveniles Injured
There were four children inside the minivan at the time of the impact. Three of these juveniles suffered injuries and were subsequently transported to Children’s Hospital of Alabama for medical treatment. Jefferson County Coroner Bill Yates confirmed that two women were killed and four juveniles were injured. The current condition and the extent of the children’s injuries have not been publicly released.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Reminders
Investigators stated that the freight train struck the minivan after the vehicle’s driver made an attempt to go around the active railroad crossing guard. The Birmingham Police Department is continuing its investigation into this incident.
Following the crash, authorities issued a reminder to the public about the critical importance of railroad crossing safety. Citizens are urged to always obey railroad crossing signals and gates, whether walking, biking, or driving. Trains require significant distance to stop, and a moment of impatience at a crossing can lead to devastating consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in Birmingham on Friday morning?
Two women died and three juveniles sustained injuries in a collision involving a freight train and a minivan in southwest Birmingham early Friday morning, January 16, 2026.
Where did the train crash occur?
The crash occurred in the 1000 block of 24th Street SW in Birmingham.
When did the accident happen?
The accident took place around 1:46 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Who were the victims killed in the crash?
The two women killed were identified as Carolyn Elaine Berry, 47, and Aldereka Laqulla Ikes, 36.
How many children were injured?
Three juveniles suffered injuries and were transported to Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Four children were in the vehicle at the time of the collision.
What caused the train collision?
The minivan was struck by the train after the driver attempted to drive around a railroad crossing guard.
Is the incident under investigation?
Yes, the incident remains under investigation by the Birmingham Police Department.
Key Features of the Birmingham Train Crash
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | 1000 block of 24th Street SW, southwest Birmingham |
| Date and Time | Friday, January 16, 2026, around 1:46 a.m. |
| Fatalities | 2 adult women (Carolyn Elaine Berry, 47; Aldereka Laqulla Ikes, 36) |
| Injuries | 3 juveniles injured; 4 children were in the vehicle |
| Vehicles Involved | Minivan and a freight train |
| Cause | Minivan driver attempted to drive around a railroad crossing guard |
| Investigation Status | Under investigation by Birmingham Police Department |
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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
