Florida commuter train hits car; 2 from LaFollette killed, 1 injured

Florida commuter train hits car; 2 from LaFollette killed, 1 injured

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WATE/AP) -- Two people from LaFollette, Tennessee were killed and one was injured in a collision between a commuter train and a car in Broward County, Florida Thursday morning.

Fort Lauderdale police said the crash was just west of Interstate 95.

The victims were identified as Connie Hamblin, 44, and Felicia Hatmaker, 22.

Eddie Hamblin was listed in critical but stable condition at a hospital.

The three had just started a weeklong vacation.

Witnesses said the car's driver stopped their Toyota Camry on the tracks when the rail crossing arms lowered in front of and behind the car.

The car tried, and failed, to cross the tracks to avoid the train.

Jason Muse was Connie Hamblin's step-brother. They'd been family for about eight years.

"It kind of surprised me. He called me and told me before he told mom," Muse said.

Muse said Connie and Eddie had only been married for about a year before the accident.

He also said there's one thing he'll always remember about Connie. "She's hilarious. She was funny. She's just like her Dad."

Felicia Hatmaker's former cheerleading coach, Danielle Furgerson, works at the bank in downtown LaFollette.

"My mom actually baby sitted her when she was a little girl. Then I coached her in cheerleading when she was in the fifth and sixth grade," Furgerson said.

She added that Hatmaker will never be forgotten. "She was always a good girl, real sweet hearted, just really up setting to hear about it."

Those who know the victims are praying for their families. They also hope Eddie will make a full recovery from his injuries.

Tri-Rail spokeswoman Bonnie Arnold says train had 250 passengers. Witnesses indicated the gates and lights at the crossing were working properly.

6 News Reporter Josh Ault contributed to this report. Some portions of this report copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.