Joshua Cartwright, 21, Ashley Melson, 20, and Justin Mastin, 19, dead after minivan is struck by Amtrak train going 80 mph just outside Kalamazoo, Michigan

The minivan was  apparently traveling northbound when it went around some other vehicles that were stopped for the train at 11th Street and KL Avenue in Oshtemo Township. The minivan was stopped at the railroad crossing, but passed several vehicles to pull in front of the train. The railroad crossing lights, gates, and bells were all functioning at the time of the crash. The occupants of the vehicle were identified as 21-year-old Joshua Cartwright, 20-year-old Ashley Melson and 19-year-old Justin Mastin, all of Kalamazoo. The minivan was split into three pieces by the train's impact, and the passenger portion was carried with the train until it came to a complete stop further east along West Michigan Avenue near Planned Parenthood. The train was traveling at a speed of approximately 80 mph, which is a standard speed for this area of the tracks. Amtrak trains regularly reach speeds of up to 110 mph on the 80-mile corridor from Kalamazoo, Michigan to Porter, Indiana. The Wolverine line train was carrying about 120 passengers, none of whom were hurt. 

What every family needs to know about wrongful death claims When a person dies as the result of a car, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, or other kind of accident, family members must deal with the tragedy as best they can. Many decisions need to be made, and a wrongful death claim needs to be filed. In Michigan, a claim can be filed by certain family members, but there are strict requirements and deadlines that must be met. It is crucial to speak with a Michigan wrongful death attorney to get necessary information and advice.