News Summary
A tragic collision between a 2017 Dodge Charger and a CSX freight train in Auburn has resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man from Birmingham. Despite immediate medical assistance, Christian Smaw was pronounced dead shortly after the accident. The Auburn Police Department is investigating the incident and encourages witnesses to come forward. The accident raises concerns about railroad safety and driver vigilance, especially at busy crossings like North Gay Street.
Birmingham Man Dies in Early Morning Collision with Freight Train in Auburn
Auburn, AL – A tragic collision between a vehicle and a freight train resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man from Birmingham early on June 26, 2025. The incident took place at around 7:00 A.M. at the North Gay Street railroad crossing when the victim’s 2017 Dodge Charger collided with a CSX freight train.
First responders arrived at the scene shortly after the accident was reported, where they found the sole occupant of the vehicle, Christian Smaw, suffering from critical injuries. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts conducted by emergency personnel, Smaw was pronounced dead at 7:25 A.M.
The Auburn Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. As part of this investigation, the North Gay Street crossing remains closed. However, other railroad crossings in the area, including Donahue Drive, College Street, and Ross Street, continue to be open for traffic.
Details of the Accident
Eyewitnesses reported that the train involved was cleared from the tracks by 8:52 A.M., allowing crews to begin restoring normal operations in the area. The Auburn Police Department is encouraging anyone who witnessed the accident or has relevant information to contact them directly at (334) 501-3100.
Victim Information
Christian Smaw was traveling alone in his Dodge Charger when the crash occurred. His body will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences located in Montgomery for a postmortem examination conducted by the Lee County Coroner’s Office. The results of this examination may provide additional insights into the events leading to this tragic incident.
Background on Railroad Safety
The area where the collision occurred, at the North Gay Street crossing, has been traditionally marked for its level of busy traffic due to its proximity to downtown Auburn. Railroad crossings like this require strict attention from drivers, especially considering the significant size and speed of freight trains. Such accidents, while unfortunate, have raised ongoing discussions about railroad safety, signage, and driver awareness across Alabama.
As investigations continue, the Auburn community is left to mourn the loss of a young life. Smaw’s untimely death serves as a reminder of the potential danger present at railroad crossings and the critical need for vigilance among all motorists.
The Auburn Police Department, as well as other local authorities, hope that through continued investigation and community awareness, future incidents of this nature can be avoided.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Pedestrian Struck and Killed on Interstate 65 North
Mexican Navy Ship Cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge
ALDOT Faces Financial Strain from Guardrail Damages
Army Black Hawk Helicopter’s Close Call with Commercial Flights
Birmingham Drug Bust Results in Nine Arrests and Major Seizures
Birmingham Launches Advanced Train Alert System
Birmingham Faces Store Closures Amid New Business Openings
Tragic Accident in Jefferson County: Man Killed by Falling Tree
Birmingham Officer Injured Responding to Weapons Call
Tragic Learjet Crash Takes Lives and Raises Questions
Additional Resources
- WTVM: 1 Dead in Train vs. Vehicle Accident Near Gay Street, Auburn
- Wikipedia: Railroad Safety
- WRBL: One Person Killed in Vehicle Versus Train Collision Near Downtown Auburn
- Google Search: Railroad Safety
- CNAW2News: Birmingham Man Passes Away After Train Versus Vehicle Crash in Downtown Auburn
- Google Scholar: Train Vehicle Accidents
- OANow: Local News on Train Collision
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Train Collisions
- WTVM: 1 Dead Following Train vs. Car Accident in Auburn
- Google News: Auburn Train Accident
