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MIDDLETOWN – Police are investigating a train crash that killed two women Sunday, Oct. 12.

Meanwhile, railroad officials said Sunday night they plan to run tests at the crossing as residents of the area question whether it provides motorists ample warning of oncoming trains.

Teri Viars, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene while Christina Mason, 29, of Middletown, was transported to the Atrium Medical Center, where she died Sunday evening, according to Middletown police.

Both were ejected from a small pickup truck, police said.

The call came in around 4:14 p.m. after a Norfolk Southern freight train hit a pickup truck stopped on the tracks in the 2000 block of Waneta Avenue, police said. The train was traveling about 40 mph at the time of the impact, according to Local 12 WKRC

Scott Farley of Middletown said he was walking to a friend's house when he rounded a corner and witnessed the impact of the crash.

"I couldn't even hear it," he said. "I just looked over and seen (stuff) flying."

Farley said he ran to Mason's side and dialed 9-1-1. Farley said he stayed with her until emergency crews arrived, comforting her and keeping her from moving, even as she repeatedly asked about her mother.

"That's all she was worried about," he said.

Middletown police Monday plan to review video of the crossing, according to Local 12.

John Williams, who lives in a house just east of the tracks, said a train whistle was followed what sounded like "little rocks crushing on the rails."

He initially dismissed the sound as "kids playing." But when his grandfather questioned where all the dust and smoke was coming from the two left the house to investigate.

"That's when we saw the (Chevrolet) S-10...mangled up," he said.

Williams said there have been problems at the crossing in the past. Williams said he believes the railroad crossing's blinking lights are not enough to warn of a train hurtling down the tracks.

"As fast as the trains come through here, I don't think it's the motorist's fault," he said. "There's no bells or sounds at all."

Rudy Husband, director of public relations for Norfolk Southern, said the company plans to run diagnostic tests on the crossing device as part of its investigation.

Witnesses are asked to contact Middletown police at (513) 425-7700.