Officials investigate fatal train accident as homicide

WAYNE CO., GA (WTOC) - The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is investigating a train fatality that occurred Thursday near Jesup as a homicide.

Investigators say a woman was killed and seven others were injured when they were struck by a train near Doctortown Road on a train trestle over the Altamaha River near the Rayonier Mill at about 4 p.m. Thursday while filming a biopic about musician Gregg Allman. All involved were members of Meddin Studios.

"We're going to collect all the film data that we can. So far, the production company, CSX, Rayonier have all been cooperative. They're all giving us as much or at least pledged to give us as much film, evidence, whatever types of communications they had prior to the incident that happened," said Det. Joe Gardner, of the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.

WTOC has learned from published reports and through friends of the victim's family that she was from Columbia, S.C. However, that has not been confirmed by officials as the victim's name has not yet been released. The family has been notified.

WTOC spoke with the creative director for Meddin and he said that Thursday's shoot on the trestle was coordinated with CSX Railroad and with Rayioner. The sheriff's office was also able to confirm that the crew had both companies permission to film.

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