FROSTPROOF, Fla. – A 20-year-old woman and her 4-month-old son were killed and another woman was injured Thursday afternoon when their car was split in half in a crash with an Amtrak train in Polk County, sheriff’s officials said.
The double fatal crash happened around 3:15 p.m. on South Scenic Highway, between Livingston Lake Road and U.S. 98.
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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office identified the mother as Shala Cobb, of Avon Park, who died at the scene. Her son, Kingston Scott, was taken to Florida Hospital Heartland in Sebring, where he died, sheriff’s officials said.
Kayla Cobb, the 26-year-old driver of the vehicle, who is Shala’s sister, suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to deputies.
No one aboard the train was injured.
Sheriff’s office officials said evidence and witness statements show that Kayla Cobb drove around a crossing arm when her Kia was struck by the southbound train. Deputies said warning lights were also working at the train stop.
The impact split the car in half, propelling the back of the Kia, where Shala Cobb and her son were sitting, about 50 feet, deputies said.
Deputies said a child safety seat was found nearby, but an investigation shows none of the occupants were properly restrained in their seats.