2-mile freight train strikes stolen Jeep in Dyer, fire officials say

DYER, Ind. (WLS) -- A freight train that stretches for two miles struck a stolen vehicle Friday morning in northwest Indiana.

Chopper 7HD was over the scene around 6 a.m. where the tracks intersect Patterson Street, near West 81st Avenue, in Dyer.

A white Jeep Wrangler appears to have been dragged about a quarter mile north of the intersection after the collision. The vehicle ended up on its side in the grass.

The St. John Fire Department responded to the scene. Fire officials said they believe the Jeep was stolen and abandoned on the tracks before the crash.

After an extensive search, officials said no victims were found.

Since the CSX freight train was about two miles long, several intersections were blocked to traffic until the crash investigation was complete.

Drivers who needed to head east or west were forced to detour north to U.S. 30 and south to 93rd Avenue to get around the train.