Two young girls have been killed after a train smashed into a truck that they were both passengers in.
Their father, who was at the wheel, and his young son, were left badly injured and are currently fighting for their lives in hospital.
Chad Fryar, 37, a pastor at the Crossroads Cowboy Church, was driving his two daughters and son through Clark County, Arkansas, on May 27, when the collision happened at a train track.
A train that was heading north hit the vehicle as it crossed the tracks, shunting into the passenger side of the truck.
Due to the impact of the collision, the train dragged the truck along with it for around half a mile.
Chad was seriously injured, as well as his son, Bo Henry. His two daughters, Marley Jo and Dana Kate, both died in the collision.
A crash summary reported that Chad had been driving his 2017 Chevrolet Silverado around 1:45pm at the time of the collision.
According to the Arkadelphian, crossbuck stop signs are situated on both sides of the tracks to warn motorists they are about to cross a live train line.
However, there are no flashing lights or crossing gate to warn drivers of oncoming trains
Chad was air-lifted to Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, while Bo Henry was taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for his injuries.
The pastor's wife and mother to all three children, Rachel, has been taken to the hospital and has been able to speak with her husband, according to Crossroads leaders.
Police are currently investigating the crash, and Union Pacific Railroad has confirmed no one who was onboard the train was injured in the collision.
Crossroads Cowboy Church indicated on social media that Chad and his son are recovering from their injuries.
They wrote: “Chad is in good spirits and being his normal self. Doctors are still discussing the length of his stay, but they are keeping him in the ICU so they can monitor him.”
The post also confirmed that Bo Henry had been removed from intensive care.
It continued: “Bo Henry's surgery went better than anticipated last night and they are managing his pain, he is being a trooper.”
