A motorist has died after a vehicle struck a train at a Middle Road crossing in Dunkirk.

Around 1:30 p.m., the Dunkirk Police Department, Dunkirk Fire Department, and Alstar Ambulance responded to a report of a pickup struck by a train at the Middle Road and the CSX railroad crossing. The operator of the vehicle was transported to Brooks Memorial Hospital, where the victim later succumbed to the injuries.

The incident remains under investigation by the Dunkirk Police Department in coordination with CSX Railroad officials. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office assisted as well.

The incident occurred during heavy winds with whiteout conditions as travel advisories were in place in Dunkirk and in the surrounding communities.

At the scene, the railroad gates at the crossing were seen not going all the way down after the incident occurred. There appeared to be slight debris in the crossing, but no vehicle was visible on the tracks from the crossing.