AL Women Aldereka Ikes & Carolyn Berry ID’d As Victims In Friday Double-Fatal Crash Involving Train

BIRMINGHAM, AL. (THECOUNT.COM) — Carolyn Elaine Berry, 47, and Aldereka Laqulla Ikes, 36, both of Birmingham, AL, were killed early Friday morning after a minivan carrying multiple occupants was struck by a freight train at a railroad crossing on the city’s southwest side, authorities confirmed.

The fatal crash occurred at approximately 1:46 a.m. at the railroad crossing in the 1000 block of 24th Street SW in Birmingham, AL, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. Officials said the minivan was occupied by two adult women and four juveniles at the time of the collision.

Berry was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash, the coroner said. Ikes was transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, AL, where she later died from her injuries.

Three of the juveniles who were inside the minivan were transported to Children’s of Alabama Hospital for treatment, according to Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. Authorities did not release information regarding the ages of the juveniles or the extent of their injuries. A fourth juvenile was also inside the vehicle at the time of the crash, officials confirmed.

The collision occurred when the minivan was struck by a freight train at the crossing. Details regarding the direction of travel of the vehicle, the speed of the train, or whether warning devices such as crossing arms or signals were activated at the time have not been released.

The crossing at 24th Street SW is located in an industrial area of Birmingham, AL, where rail traffic is common. Freight trains routinely travel through the southwest portion of the city, which includes neighborhoods and commercial corridors intersected by multiple rail lines.

Birmingham Police Department officers responded to the scene and are leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators are working to determine how the minivan came into the path of the train and whether any mechanical, environmental, or human factors contributed to the collision.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is assisting with the investigation and confirmed the identities of both victims. No additional information regarding toxicology results or contributing factors has been released.

Railroad crossing collisions are investigated collaboratively, often involving local law enforcement, railroad officials, and, in some cases, federal transportation authorities. At this time, police have not indicated whether additional agencies will be involved in the investigation.

The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service provided emergency medical care at the scene and assisted with the transport of the injured juveniles. First responders remained on scene for several hours as investigators documented the crash site.

Authorities have not released the names of the juveniles involved, citing their ages. No information regarding funeral arrangements for Berry or Ikes has been made public.

The investigation remains ongoing. Officials said additional details may be released as more information becomes available.

DEVELOPING::