Mom, 4-Month-Old Son Killed In Crash With Train: Sheriff

POLK COUNTY, FL — A 20-year-old mother and her 4-month-old son were killed Thursday afternoon in Frostproof when a passing Amtrack train near Livingston Lake Road crashed into the car they were in driven by her sister, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

The train smashed into the white Kia after her sister drove it around the crossing arms that were in the down position, and the warning lights were also activated, according to investigators. The car was split in two by the train. The car's backseat section was propelled 50 feet away. The mother and son were in the backseat, and were thrown from the car, officers said.

Shala Cobb was pronounced dead at the crash location. Her son died at a nearby hospital shortly after the crash. Her sister, Kayla Cobb, 26, experienced a leg injury and was taken to a local hospital. Police said no one had seatbelts on, and the boy was not in the child safety seat found in the car.

Original Patch Story:

A person was killed in a train/car crash Thursday afternoon in Frostproof, the Polk County Sheriff's Office tweeted.

The crash happened at about 3:17 p.m. on South Scenic Highway between Livingston Lake Road and U.S. Highway 98, officers said. This stretch of road and railroad track was closed for several hours as deputies investigated the scene. Lanes and the track reopened at 8:23 p.m, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.

No other information has been released. Patch will keep you updated.

8:23 PM UPDATE:
Roadway and tracks are now clear and open. https://t.co/4VDoJgjIUA
— Polk County Sheriff (@PolkCoSheriff) April 23, 2021