A black Mercedes-Benz that was struck by a Metro-North train in New York on Tuesday evening was apparently stalled on the tracks before the collision, according to officials.

"Apparently the gate went down on the car and she got out to put the gate up and at that point got back in the car to drive away," Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said.

However, authorities say the vehicle stalled on the tracks before the train slammed into it, pushing the car about 400 feet before both vehicles caught fire. The impact also dislodged the electrified third rail that carried 750 volts of direct current. The rail reportedly went through the SUV, punctured the gas tank and caused an explosion that sparked a fire. The third rail also ripped through the floor of the first car of the train.

Damage to the other cars of the eight-car train was minimal.

Surviving passengers were taken to a rock-climbing gym for shelter, authorities said, before they were sent to hospital or continued on with their journey.

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