AMITE CITY, La. — A train and car collided on Highway 51 at Ponders Quarters Lane at approximately 2:15 p.m. on March 25, 2026.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed that the crash involved an Amtrak train carrying 149 passengers. Family members identified the deceased passenger as 23-year-old Dorian Batiste, who was returning home from work. The driver of the vehicle sustained injuries, and a third person was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Amtrak stated that Train 59 was en route from Chicago to New Orleans when the incident occurred. No injuries were reported among the approximately 148 passengers or crew members onboard. The train resumed its journey after a delay of two hours and 20 minutes.
Authorities emphasized that railroad crossing incidents are a leading cause of rail-related fatalities in the U.S. Amtrak continues to collaborate with Operation Lifesaver to promote safety around railroad crossings.
Highway 51 has since reopened, and the crash site has been cleared from the train tracks.