A motorist 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, Adolf E. Herdzik Jr., 77, was transported to Brooks Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to the injuries.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Dunkirk Police Department in coordination with CSX Railroad officials. Due to the nature of the investigation, police said it may take some time before it is completed.

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.

“The Dunkirk Police Department extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the department noted.