Woman dies after driving into train

MARGERETTA TWP. — A woman who drove into the side of a train died from her injuries Monday.Kristina Hirt, 32, of Vickery, died at about 6 a.m., Erie County Sheriff Paul Sigsworth said. Hirt worked as a nurse at Firelands Regional Medical Center.She drove home from work Sunday morning when her 2014 Chevrolet Equinox went into the side of a train at a railroad crossing near Bogart and Old Railroad roads.The train was traveling 7 mph at the time of the collision, but her vehicle became lodged under it. The train dragged the vehicle for 1,700 feet, Sigsworth said.An emergency helicopter flew Hirt to St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, where she later succumbed to the injuries she suffered in the crash."Sadly and unfortunately, she did pass away this morning," Sigsworth said.The railroad crossing gate was broken, indicating it was down at the time of the crash. It's unknown why Hirt didn't yield to the train. But fatigue could have been a factor."It's still under investigation," Sigsworth said. "It's still considered a possibility that fatigue was a factor in the crash."Sigsworth said the sheriff's office extends its deepest condolences to Hirt's family and friends following her tragic death.More Erie County Sheriff's Office articlesReach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegister