By Crash News Writer 
Gary, IN (June 28, 2025) – A devastating collision between a South Shore Line train and a vehicle claimed the lives of five family members Wednesday night in Gary, Indiana.
News sources show the fatal incident happened just after 10 p.m. on June 25 near the intersection of U.S. Route 12/20 and East 7th Avenue/Utah Street. According to South Shore Line officials, an eastbound train coming from Chicago was approaching the crossing when a vehicle carrying five occupants drove around the lowered crossing gates and into the train’s path.
The impact was catastrophic. Gary Police confirmed that all five people inside the vehicle — identified by the Lake County Coroner’s Office as De’Mario Craig, 24; Maurice Parrish, 20; Bryon Towns, 21; Sherise Parrish, 20; and Latianna King, 20 — were ejected and pronounced dead at the scene from multiple blunt force injuries. The victims, all from the same family, lived on the 4000 block of Harrison Street in Gary. Loved ones shared their heartbreak, with Bryon Towns’ father and relatives expressing shock and grief at the unimaginable loss.
Fortunately, none of the 32 passengers or four crew members on board the South Shore Line train were hurt. Officials emphasized the critical importance of never driving around active railroad gates, urging drivers to always respect crossing signals for everyone’s safety.
The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed it will not investigate the crash.
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Losing multiple loved ones in a tragic collision is an unimaginable burden for any family. While no amount of compensation can replace what was lost, taking legal action may help surviving relatives manage funeral expenses, loss of future support, and other financial challenges. An experienced attorney can provide guidance during this overwhelming time, handle complex investigations, and help hold any negligent parties or contributing factors accountable. Legal action can also push for improved safety measures at crossings to prevent future tragedies. If your family has experienced such a devastating loss, do not wait to seek trusted legal advice to protect your rights and secure the justice you deserve.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information in this article is based on initial reports from local authorities and may be subject to updates as investigations continue.
- The identities of those involved in the incident have not been released pending official confirmation and notification of next of kin.
- Further details about the accident, including toxicology results and potential charges, will be shared as they become available.
- Road closures and traffic updates related to the accident scene can be found by checking with local authorities or traffic monitoring services.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know have been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.