Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

MARCELLUS TOWNSHIP — Two men are in critical condition following a collision between a car and a train Thursday evening.

Sheriff Richard Behnke reported that at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday, his office was called to investigate a personal injury accident on Savage Road near the intersection of Waterstradt Street in Marcellus Township.

Investigation shows that 44-year-old driver, Dustin Hooker, a Battle Creek resident, was driving northbound on Savage Road near Waterstradt Street. As the vehicle approached the railroad crossing, Hooker told police that his brakes failed, resulting in the vehicle colliding with the passing train. The impact caused the passengers, 33-year-old Gayland Campbell, of Marcellus, and 43-year-old Paul Smith, of Tekonsha, to be ejected from the vehicle. Paul Smith was airlifted to Bronson by Med Flight in critical condition, and Gayland Campbell was transported by Three Rivers Ambulance in critical condition to Bronson. Dustin Hooker was transported to Bronson by Pride Care Ambulance in stable condition. Nobody was hurt in the CN train.

According to deputies with the sheriff’s office, a seatbelt was worn by the driver, but not the passengers. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a factor.

This crash remains under investigation.

Assisting agencies include Marcellus Fire and EMS, Newberg Township Fire Department, Three Rivers Fire Department, Pride Care EMS, Canadian National Police, and Med Flight.