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Family of train accident victim pleads for change

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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3 teens died when the truck they were in hit a truck in southern LaPorte County (WSBT Photo)

Three teens died when the truck they were in hit a train in southern LaPorte County (WSBT Photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: May 17, 2008 at 10:25 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 17, 2008 at 11:20 PM EDT

SOUTH BEND — "Everybody's got presents for him that won't be opened tomorrow," said Cynthia Zemanek.

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Cynthia and Dan Zemanek were looking forward to celebrating their son James' 15th birthday. But that would never happen.

James and two friends died Saturday morning. Police say the truck they were riding in collided with a train at a railroad crossing on County Road 250 West in LaPorte County.

"Not my son. Not my son. He's a good boy," said Cynthia Zemanek.

"Right now I just feel empty, totally empty, and in shock. I had to go to the scene to see it," said Dan Zemanek.

And this is what he saw — images of twisted metal and broken glass.

The Zemaneks say that railroad crossing is a danger zone. In fact, Cynthia was hit in the exact same spot five years ago. And since then, the family has been fighting for a solution.

"I feel the railroad is negligent. They feel it's fine by putting crossbucks and a stop sign there. But when they were notified because of the visual obstruction because of the hills, I feel they were obligated at that point to put at least a warning light, if not gates," Dan Zemanek.

"I don't want any other mother to ever go through what us three mothers are going through right now," said Cynthia Zemanek.

Mothers who are left with just memories of the last time they saw their sons.

"And he hugged me and said, 'You're the best mom, I love you.' And he kissed me and I said 'I love you,'" said Cynthia Zemanek.

WSBT contacted Norfolk Southern. They told us the state is responsible for deciding what type of warning is put up at every public crossing.

View Oldest Comments First

Tuesday, May 20 at 11:48 PM dustinlee wrote ...

i saw my friend today at his funeral and it was the hardest thing and i kno that he saw us and relized how many people care for him. Im going to see my other friends wednesday and thursday.i dont know if i can take it becase Chans's was hard for me and losing a brother on the field isnt easy.i hope to god they are putting up gates i can only pray that if they do it will save so many lives and we dont have to go thru this again.Im still praying for the families n i hope you do too (please pray)

Tuesday, May 20 at 9:23 PM Anon wrote ...

HS, I appreciate your concern for the kids. I have investigated several fatal crashes involving teens. Each crash took part of me. I don't want these deaths to be in vain. There is no way to explain what it is like to tell a parent a child is dead. That's not how things are supposed to work. Please, kids, LEARN. Don't let these death be in vain.

Tuesday, May 20 at 4:40 PM HS wrote ...

As we say our last GoodByes today tomorrow and Thursday can you please just let the kids use this as a place to put some of their last words? Stop with the blaming, it's not worth it, it's only upsetting them more. If we all keep our mouths shut and let them grieve and be there for each other they may get through this one. Next time you type or open your mouth I hope it's a prayer for the families, friends, conductor, and any else involved.

Tuesday, May 20 at 3:41 PM Goshen Mom has a right wrote ...

Goshen mom has a right to her opinion. One I agree with. My son recently walked in front of a moving truck and was almost hit, shear luck saved him. IT WAS HIS FAULT. The fact is the train was already there and the kids hit it. This was a serious MISTAKE on their parts. Goshen Mom is NOT blaming the kids meanly. She is trying to make others cautious. I DO know someone killed by a train, they were walking on the tracks. Guess what, it is their fault. SAD BUT TRUE.

Tuesday, May 20 at 1:50 PM thinkaboutit wrote ...

There is a stop sign there which means you must STOP. If he had been down that road before he would know the tracks were there and potentially a train could be coming. Skid marks mean two things: he tried to stop too late to avoid the collision, and the brakes in the truck were functional. - gates or lights would not have changed anything. Feel sorry for their families and friends but put the blame where it belongs. If this young driver had obeyed the law, he and his friends would be alive now.

Tuesday, May 20 at 12:58 PM RR engineer from Elk. co. wrote ...

James, Chans, and Brandons families and friends, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I cant even begin to imagine your pain. Parents, PLEASE teach your young drivers about how dangerous rr crossings are. The boys at fault or not, moot point. We as drivers have to start using more caution at rr tracks. I wish folks could ride a train for 1 day, and see what we see. You would be apalled at some of it. I cannot stress this enough, or soon, we'll be mourning another crossing death!

Tuesday, May 20 at 11:58 AM Anon wrote ...

to mom of SC student, the stop sign is visible from quite a distance. I am not saying the kids were bad, they made a bad decision. Had they stopped at the stop sign as people think, there would be no skid marks. The sign is at the crossing. Did these kids know this crossing and use it before?

Tuesday, May 20 at 8:48 AM steve wrote ...

May all our prayers and thoughts be with the friends and families of the 3 boys here and the RR employees. We need to stop laying blame for the simple fact when a car hits a train it is a high percentage of the time the cars fault. Trains don't swerve to hit cars.

Tuesday, May 20 at 3:22 AM grieveing grandmother in Il. wrote ...

Crossing gates and lights for absoultely sure at double tracks !!!! AND the clearing of any obstacles or tree's or dirt mountain's anything that blocks the view of the driver MUST be kept up by the RR or the property owners or the county or the state - THERE MUST BE MORE SAFETY available to all drivers man or woman - young or old - there must be a way to PROTECT - us all. 1 breath then 2 - 1 step then 2 - I was thankful I at least didnt have to remember to breath those first days and weeks -xoxo

Tuesday, May 20 at 2:04 AM a very sad and grieving grandmother from IL. wrote ...

(((hugs)) to the family members - exactly the 3rd Saturday of May (last year the # was the 19th but it was the 3rd Saturday in May 2007) our first grandson was killed - he was 16 1/2 and the train that HIT him was from the same company that was part of this horrific and hateful and ugly accident of your precious friends Chans,Brandon and James. our grandson was a sophmore and his school also is a country h.s. and the kids were just broken as is our family. Please stay with the family members...

Tuesday, May 20 at 1:00 AM mom of sc student wrote ...

How very sad.Pointing blame will not bring those boys back.Three families have lost loved ones. A whole school has been put into schock.I saw those tracks,the stop sign is less 2 feet from the crossing sign. The crossing sign is less than 8 feet from the tracks even at 35 miles an hour you would not have stop in time to avoid that train.Way are the roads not painted? Why not even a stop ahead sign?No I'm not going to say any of this would have saved these 3 boys. But more could be done.

Monday, May 19 at 10:07 PM Kayla From sc wrote ...

I jsut lost two of my good friends. Both of them wouldn't have hurt a fly. Woudlve helped anyone. Everyday james would come up to me and jsut smile. I dont have that anymore. They would have not wanted all of us to be in pain. They would want the best. Please put up those lights. Its bad enough all we are asking is for freakin lights gosh darn it put them up.

Monday, May 19 at 9:47 PM Anon wrote ...

HS, I am a trained crash investigator and crash reconstructionist. I have investigated hundreds of crashes. The stop sign appears to be on the crossbucks so there should be no skid marks if they had stopped at the sign. The skid marks show the brakes were functioning until it could be proven otherwise. I'm not saying these were bad kids, just kids that made a mistake while driving. If there had not been a stop sign I would have a differing opinion.

Monday, May 19 at 8:50 PM CP ENGINEER wrote ...

Well here I go again STOP LOOK &LISTEN I just remember the family's are not the only victims here the rail crew will probably be going to counseling for a while as they suffer through this them selves And we really don't know what happed here except the truck hit the side of the train.

Monday, May 19 at 6:28 PM dennis masek wrote ...

first off rip james fred,brandon, and chans. all three were very good kids and i treated them like they were my own. after james' mom was in an accident at the same crossing all he was thinking about was getting lights or guards up at the crossing.thats what he wanted. by the way a crash is an accident. if you can remember what they taught in drivers ed. i know people are entitled to opinions, but think about it. what if it was your family going through this

Monday, May 19 at 6:20 PM Todd wrote ...

Joe, it is not the governments fault. The rail road has followed the letter of the law and the crossing is properly marked and has the addition of a stop sign, which is not a requirement, but they did it anyways. The stop sign in fact acts as a warning device and should not be ignored. We have to be responsible for our own actions and not blame everybody else. Yes, this is horrible and tragic, nobody disagrees with that. But you cannot educate if you do not tell the facts on what happened.

Monday, May 19 at 6:10 PM Mitch wrote ...

SC..I believe your theory is wrong. The fact that there was skid marks proves the kids did not stop at the stop sign posted at the tracks. There is no way there would of been skid marks if that were the case. I believe the driver ignored this, like many do out of habit and made a tragic mistake. The family will not win this case. Don't get me wrong, it is very tragic and a terrific loss of life...but you have to take responsibility for your actions and quit clogging up the court systems.

Monday, May 19 at 6:05 PM HS Continues wrote ...

There are too many kids and family members who are grieving and in pain to have to read these unbacked accusations. To the Family & Friends as everyone else has said, you must stick together and celebrate and remember the good times that you've had. You're all in my thoughts and prayers!!

Monday, May 19 at 6:03 PM HS wrote ...

To Anon...I don't know that this was a crash, nor do you!! The police have claimed it was an accident please tell me what your credientials are and why you can say this is a crash? I've read alot of articles and have yet to read the one that says YOU were in the truck?!!! Let me know where that one is PLEASE. I don't know that something didn't get jammed on that gas petal, do you? I don't know and neither do you so watch what you say.

Monday, May 19 at 5:27 PM Nikki Goodwin wrote ...

Brandon, James, and Chans. you guys were all rlly good friends. i couldnt believe it when i herd it @ 7:20AM. i cried everyday, and sometimes i wish it was me, not you guys. it was definatly NOT your fault. [God set a time for you to die, and it was your time.] i hope you guys know tht you were all rlly funny, and id nvr blame you for anything. and to james's mom//i hope they do something about the tracks.. WE LOVE YOU ALL!!

Monday, May 19 at 5:25 PM SC Graduate wrote ...

Well, you are entitled to your opinion anon@4:15, but I would say that the fact that there were skid marks prove to me that it was an accident. The train was going 59 mph, there is no visible view down the tracks, and they saw it at the last minute, tried to stop, but didn't have time. They TRIED to stop but couldn't. That is what makes me believe it was an accident. You say accidents can't be prevented, well he tried to prevent it and couldn't. In my mind, that is an accident then!

Monday, May 19 at 5:02 PM Just a person wrote ...

How fast was he going?!?!?!?! The damage that was done to the truck indicates that he was well over the speed limit!!! So now the parents are going to sue the railroad for something that the railroad that DID NOT CAUSE!!! Maybe if people would SLOW DOWN and be defensive drivers things like this wouldn't happen?

Monday, May 19 at 4:59 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Just some facts: Most fatalities at railroad tracks do not occur with a vehicle involved. The majority of deaths result in people walking along the tracks. In the last 20 years or so, deaths resulting from car-train accidents have been on the decline. This is a sad situation. I feel for the families and friends and so central. You all are in my prayers

Monday, May 19 at 4:15 PM Anon wrote ...

I'll say it again, this is not an accident it is a crash. Accidents can't be prevented, crashes can. For whatever reason, the crash happened. We have to learn WHY to help prevent it from happening again. ALL tracks are dangerous and drivers ALWAYS need to take caution when crossing them. I've lost many friends over the years and they all hurt. Sadly, death is a part of life. Learn from this tragedy and work to never repeat it again!

Monday, May 19 at 3:37 PM Missing him wrote ...

Ya there might have been a stop sign. and they might have ran it. but maybe the couldent stop maybe the brakes failed you just dont know. so if everyone would stop blaming Chans, Brandon, and James. bcuz u never know what happened. THERE WERE NO WITNESSES. SO STOP JUST ASSUMING!!! BRANDON WAS MY BFF!! :*^(

Monday, May 19 at 3:13 PM SC Graduate wrote ...

I am so sorry for the South Central Community. What many people on here dont realize is that this community is VERY close, and to lose 3 of their own in a horrible accident such as this is just unthinkable. These were good kids, as can be seen by the comments. Those tracks, as many others in the area, are very dangerous. Hopefully flashing lights will be put up at these tracks so no other family has to go through this. To thier families/friends, Be Strong, and know that they loved you too!

Monday, May 19 at 3:02 PM Anon wrote ...

For all those suffering, I am sorry for your loss. You aren't the first to lose someone close and won't be the last. By placing fault on the driver, we are not saying they were bad kids. There was a tragic mistake somewhere and they all paid with their lives. I know it's hard to think the actions of someone you love may have contributed to their deaths, but that is life and can't be ignored. Be there for each other and you will get past this.

Monday, May 19 at 2:55 PM Sparky {Ariel} wrote ...

I've decided to say it again before anyone goes to blame Chans. He was not to blame! We all love them, even if we didn't know them. I've known Brandon since I was four years old and suddenly BOOM! He's gone. How do you think this feels to me and everyone else who cares about these guys? I know that Chans' best friend is really depressed that this happened. I don't blame him.

Monday, May 19 at 2:53 PM Emily K. wrote ...

a huge tragedy...ppl don't get it...it doesn't matter whose fault it was. it wasn't anyone's fault thats y they are called accidents. i knew chans and brandon really well and i wish i knew james better. there are many ppl who love and miss them and they will never be forgotten and i will miss those jv football games hanging out with chans. those were the good times that you never forget. we just have to take it one day at a time and it's going to take time for everyone to heal.

Monday, May 19 at 2:36 PM Jessica wrote ...

People keep arguing whose fault it is. Who cares? I would think that even if it wasn't the railroad's fault, they would do SOMETHING so that nothing like this ever happens again. Three guys from my school died. I don't really think it matters whose fault it is, I think it matters whether or not someone does something to prevent it from happening again.

Monday, May 19 at 2:20 PM Katie #2.. SC student wrote ...

seeing everyone in the hallways out of class cause they couldn't handle it. And all of you who keep blaming it on the kids. Its not their fault. We all have mistakes d accidents. Brandon, Chans, and James you all are going to be missed greatly! I love you! Love Always and Forever, Katie Bekavac

Monday, May 19 at 2:19 PM family friend wrote ...

I would just like to say that it was an accident that is why they are called accidents, and placing blame is not going to bring my girlfriends son home to her. I had the great pleasure of knowing Brandon and let me tell you he was extaordinary! To all of you sour pusses~kindly log off of here and let these families and children grieve without you nonsense! I know my son would appreciate it!!

Monday, May 19 at 2:17 PM Katie a student from South Central wrote ...

You know this community is so small, but we are all here for each other. the aaccident spread around fast. When I walked into school today all you heard was crying, It was dead silence. I feel so bad for hte familes of these 3 amazing boys! Chans and Brandon were my classmates. Its going to be so hard to come to school and see that their not there and that their gone. I walked in and i just let out my tears. It was so hard to hold them in when the lockers were signed, had pictures on them, and

Monday, May 19 at 2:17 PM to goshen mom wrote ...

Hey goshen mom whats your address and phone number my friends want to kno because that was my friends that this happend2 and you have no right no say any thing because u live all the way n goshen

Monday, May 19 at 2:17 PM Anthony Schroeder wrote ...

Chance is a very good person. i know it was not his fault he would not hert anyone.Chance was my friend and we will definatly miss him

Monday, May 19 at 2:14 PM michael wrote ...

all eve use mis you

Monday, May 19 at 2:00 PM Mike Mote wrote ...

Chans's name isn't Chance it is CHANS get right jesus.

Monday, May 19 at 1:50 PM DustinSwansonJessicaSturdy&KarlRippe wrote ...

Im praying for anybody who has gone through this and who ever is going through this right now. I loved my friends and I know for a fact that they want those Light up and crossing guards and not only where their lives where taken but everywhere around America......My prayers go out to the family and friends of the three

Monday, May 19 at 1:47 PM lauren student from sc wrote ...

today was the worst day at sc. everyone is crying the classes are quite and that never happens they were some great people and we will all miss then..you guys will always be in our prays and we miss you all.. i miss and love you all

Monday, May 19 at 1:40 PM Brandy Forsythe wrote ...

All three James, Chance, and Brandon were all very good kids. They did not diserve to die and it definitly wasn't there fault it is the states fault there has already been acidents in that same excact place you would think that they would learn from the first time in fact James mom was in a acident in that same exact place 5 years ago. James birthday was the day after he died now he has never had his 15th birthday all because of the state.

Monday, May 19 at 1:35 PM Sara - Student from SC continued wrote ...

To all of you who are blaming the kids, I want you to ask yourself one question. What if that was my child? The situation changes doesn't it. All i want you to do is think about it. These guys were my classmates and friends. I wasn't close to them, but when you live in a town like union mills you cant help but feel the pain. These boys will always be remember. I miss you! LOVE always, Sara

Monday, May 19 at 1:34 PM S&S from south central continued wrote ...

...anything bout it! you didnt know them and you didnt know the tracks!! just because there is a stop sign doesnt mean you can see it!! We love and miss you all!!!

Monday, May 19 at 1:33 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Accidents like these are sure eye-openers. In a perfect world, this wouldn't have happened, but does this look like a perfect world? There will always be problems like these despite our best efforts. I do not know how this happened, but I do know that those were some good kids. Hopefully this problem of the railroad tracks will be solved. In the meantime, I will be praying for everyone affected by this accident.

Monday, May 19 at 1:32 PM S #1 from south central wrote ...

I want to say that i sat next to Brandon in Biology! He was always talking and gave me candy everyday! He was there for me the day after my dad died! Some people tried to say things to me bout it in class but they had to go through him first! I will always be thankful to him for that! Thanks Brandon!! I didn't talk to Chans and James much but I know they were amazing! I miss you all and things will never be the same!! peace and love!!

Monday, May 19 at 1:32 PM Sparky {Ariel} wrote ...

I know how the families of these guys feel. I've lost two family members in two days. Tell me that's not hard! I dare you! Anyway, as I said before, if you're going to blame them, just give up now. We all are going to tell you that it wasn't their fault. Then, you're all going to tell us that it's their fault again. Then this whole arguement will go back and forth. Either way, you people don't know these boys like we do! We go to school with them! We know what they were like! We KNOW them!

Monday, May 19 at 1:31 PM * sad student* wrote ...

we know these kids and school has been so sad. they are in heaven and hopefully will be having a wonderful time. "there are 3 wooden crosses on the right side of the highway, why theres not four of them heaven only knows, i guess its not what u take when u leave this world behind u, its what u leave behing u when u go" chans brandon and james touched everybody and left so much stuff behind them. we can only say thank u to them.

Monday, May 19 at 1:30 PM Sara - student from SC wrote ...

Well, this is one of the longest days of my life. The people who are leaving the negative commments have no idea what is like to walk into school and hear nothing but crying. It is the hardest thing to see. Throughout the beginning of the day everyone hung out in the hallways by thier lockers writing messages. Walking by those lockers and seeing those messages finally makes it all seem real and i can't believe it....

Monday, May 19 at 1:29 PM Raelynn wrote ...

Today was one of the saddest longest days of my life. Everyone here at South Central knew everybody and to find out that people you know are gone is upsetting and is horrible. I think that something should be done about putting up lights by those tracks so that something like this will never happen again. These guys were all loved by everybody and were great people. Everybody is mourning for them and they will be missed dearly. We love you guys.

Monday, May 19 at 1:26 PM S&S from south central wrote ...

first off anon and mother from goshen u are reallly mean, do you realize how sad this is for everyone? instead of blaming teh kids for this u need to realize their families reaed this and are already are having a tough enough time i'm sitting in class right now and people are still crying this is a horrible acciddent. u havnt been to the tracks and you cant seee the stopp sign behind the trees. the main thing is these three kids are gone and won't be back so think about this before u say......

Monday, May 19 at 1:24 PM sam wrote ...

James was a cool kid. I did alot with him. We both were into hunting and outdoor sports. We were going to make a paintball team this summer. I am unable to this now. All I ask is that they put a railroad crossing gate and lights at that place. If they would have had those, my best friend would still be alive. He totally did not deserve this.

Monday, May 19 at 1:23 PM Nolan wrote ...

I feel that because of the facts presented the state/railroad should feel it nessessary to make the crossing safer by installing lights. They are always commenting on how safe they are and how few accidents they have..... why don't they take a step to make it safer? god bless to the kids and the families... they were my friends. It would be in the best interest of the railroad to try and make it a little safer, before another accident happens.

Monday, May 19 at 1:19 PM Timmy wrote ...

James Zemanek was one of my best friends, he or Chans or Brandon does not deserve this they were all great kids and friends. my prayer is with them.

Monday, May 19 at 1:18 PM South Central student wrote ...

I think that All of the railroad tracks should have gates or atleast lights, something! please help to get gates or lights or something!!! boys, I really hope that you rest in peace, we will miss you all.n we love you.

Monday, May 19 at 1:10 PM ryan wrote ...

i feel for the families my heart goes out to all of them but they need a lights or a couples crossing gates

Monday, May 19 at 12:41 PM Brooke Miller wrote ...

I am truly sorry for these families. This is gonna hurt our community really bad seems how everyones nows everyone. Chans was my boyfriend and i am devastated wiht out him. When i found out it was chans, brandon, and james i was just besides myself. It is not their fault its the states fault because they decided not to put gates and lights up. I want these families to know that i am praying for them and i will always be jhere for them.

Monday, May 19 at 12:39 PM Katie Rand wrote ...

Chans,Brandon,&James were all really good people. If you needed a friend, they were there. They always made you laugh, and they were always smiling. None of them deserved this, and I don't think any of this is their fault. I'm shocked and angry at all the disrespectful comments left that were blaming them for this. Clearly, they didn't intentionally run that stop sign. I'm so sorry for the families. These boys were good friend of mine. I miss and love you and I always will. <3 ):

Monday, May 19 at 12:38 PM Bridget Bailey>SC student wrote ...

Chans,Brandon,and James were all good people. They helped me through good and bad. I will miss all of you and i love you all with all of my heart. The railroads need to have gards and lights and none of this would of never happen to these nice boys. you all will have a place in my heart and i will never forget you. i love you and i will be praying for the families.R.I.P chans,brandon,and james. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Monday, May 19 at 12:34 PM Guitarhero2107 From SC wrote ...

This was just terrible. They were some good teens.

Monday, May 19 at 12:21 PM Sparky {Ariel} wrote ...

Alright, first off, the boys are NOT to blame. If you're just going to blame them for this, then you have no idea what we're feeling. Even if you knew what was happening, you probably are either not a good parent or a really crappy and dark hearted person! If you're going to blame them, why don't you get hit by a train and see if anyone blames you. I'm sure we probably will. We miss them, whether we all know them or not, and that will never change. Even after this, we are all scared and lonely.

Monday, May 19 at 12:18 PM D.J. ALM wrote ...

First off i want to say that who are you to say that they just blew a sign? You seriously think that they just saw the train and said " I feel like hitting a train" NO! I realize that eveyone has their own opinion but come on have a heart. I bet if it was your kids youd be singing a real different tune. There deaths were tragic and I cant imagine how their families feel. I know it was a mistake but have some sorrow at least for the families. Im a freshman at S.C. and they will be missed dearly.

Monday, May 19 at 12:18 PM south central student wrote ...

Quit blaming those kids. Everyone makes mistakes, nobody is perfect. there are some railrodes that don't have anything but lights, and they sometimes broken too. there are also some trains that don't even don't do any thing like honk their horn till there already there. they should put everything possable to not let you cross when a train is comming. if you aren't going to say anything sympathetic like i hope the famlies get better, don't post anything

Monday, May 19 at 12:17 PM Ashley Barger wrote ...

James' 15 B-Day was the day after he died and now the family has some horrible memory be for his b-day memories life just sux and u cant just blame everything on the kids!!!! EVERY ONE MAKES MISTAKES!

Monday, May 19 at 12:16 PM Lizzie N. 7th grader @ South Central wrote ...

Everyone here is devastated and crying when they didnt even hardly know the kids and all you are blaming the stop sign thing on the teenagers! Its not their fault! All the students of SC are in the library crying their hearts out! and you guys are insulting the teens we just lost and loved! i see people run stop signs everyday! The state should've put the crossgaurds there when the track was put in! every1 here is angry @ the ones who r blaming the teenagers!JUST STOP! We will miss you all!

Monday, May 19 at 12:09 PM Brandons Friends wrote ...

All railroad crossings should have gates, the people saying this is their fault, that is just ignorant, and the fact that these were REAL people, it doesnt matter whos fault it was, there are three kids dead, and every single person here misses them VERY much. Everyone here at SC is crying there eyes out and they are all devastated! Everyone is blaming teenagers for running the stop sign. It's NOT THEIR FAULT! If you are going to just insult the family and friends, then don't comment this.

Monday, May 19 at 12:08 PM this is to everyone that says its chans' fault. wrote ...

i just wanted to tell you all that it was the gov. fault because this is the 2nd crash in five years. so if you want to blame chans let you rkid get hit by a train and tell me you would really blame you kid. there aint no chance you would blame your kid you would blame everyone else. But it was definately NOT his fault. ALL RAILROAD TRACKS SHOULD HAVE GATES AND LIGHTS!!!!!!!

Monday, May 19 at 12:06 PM "student from South Central School Jr/Sr high" wrote ...

I can't beleave of all people it happen to is those three. Especially James. he was a good kid. He was fun to be around, and i'm now at a lost of words. I'm sorry for the families

Monday, May 19 at 12:02 PM Mike Mote wrote ...

Chans was my best friend and i have driven with him before and i know that it was not his fault he is one of the best drivers that i know and if anyone doubts me then come and talk to me i will set the story strait. That track should of had flashing lights and the state and the railroad company should be sued because Chans was my best good friend and i know that it was not thier friends. I Love Chans and now he is gone because the state is to lazy to put up Crossing Guards.

Monday, May 19 at 11:55 AM For their friends...cont'd wrote ...

mistake with deadly consequences. No matter the reason this happened or who is at fault, there is something to be learned. Honor your friends by remembering to be safe and look out for each other. While they are no longer here with you, they will always be just a short memory away. Rest in Peace Chans, Brandon, and James. You will be missed by many

Monday, May 19 at 11:54 AM For the friends... wrote ...

I know you are hurting today with the loss of your friends. It’s always the hardest when someone is taken from you in an instant with no time to say goodbye. Keep them in your hearts and know they are watching over you now. I urge you to bring something positive from this. Drive slower, pay closer attention to your surroundings, always watch for the unexpected. Let this tragic accident bring forth safety awareness for all drivers young and old. It only takes a split second to make a

Monday, May 19 at 11:48 AM Megan wrote ...

Wow some of you people are just flat out heartless. Would you be singing it's the drivers fault if it was ur best friend or son dead? Im guessing no. So why don't you think before u speak. Chans and Brandon sat at my lunch table everyday and they were amazing kids. And even tho i didn't know james that well. we had talked before and he was cool. so R.I.P. guys i love you all.

Monday, May 19 at 11:44 AM Rachael&Kyle&Lucas&Courtney&Deanna&SC students wrote ...

all the people that blame these kids are DUMB!! id love to see you guys go to the tracks and look from the stop sign, you couldnt see a train due to the trees. none of them deserved this. obviously the people that are being critical have no heart, so YOU deserve to go get hit by a train :] these kids are missed and loved by EVERYONE!!! Everyone that knew them is sad and misses them very much!! School is not ever going to be the same. these kids were very sweet and liked by everyone! Rest in PEAC

Monday, May 19 at 11:39 AM Tanner&Nikki wrote ...

Now how many of you people cross tracks because you know there are no trains that go on those tracks?! Theses boys are our friends. Yes it could have been, that they were trying to beet the train.Or maybe they didn't see it. But don't jump to conclusions that it was THERE fault. You moms or dads probubly havin't been in this situation. You say that you would blame it on your kids. But you have NEVER been in this situation. So shut p?!

Monday, May 19 at 11:38 AM Emily Holt fromSouth Central wrote ...

I didn't know the boys very well but what I did know they were all very well liked and caring boys. I do not think it is there fault at all. They should put lights at every set of tracks. I live in a town that has nothing but tracks and its hard to see some of the trains. They all needs lights.

Monday, May 19 at 11:37 AM Lizzie Nush_7th grader @ South Central wrote ...

There should be a stop sign there but it's not the teenagers fault because the state should put up crossguards and have warning signs that says to watch but its not their fault. They were good boys and shouldn't have their lives taken by something that should have been installed a long time ago. All the students @ South Central are crying and are showing their respect but it wasnt any of those boys fault. We will miss them and think of them always! :) -Students of South Central

Monday, May 19 at 11:35 AM Lauren && Kenzee wrote ...

Chans.&&.James.&&.Brandon. Where will we be with out you guys. It hasnt hit us yet that you guys are gone. you know one second james was at jr high ball having a wonderful time and the next day you arnt here to celebrate your birthday. chans you were an awesome line man in football. we will truly miss you. and brandon. you were nice and i learned that you love to drink monster and we talked about that all the time. we will miss you so much we love you!!

Monday, May 19 at 11:33 AM Linda wrote ...

Again, sympathy to the families. We have freedom of speech so many people will be very rude and calous with their comments. Since none of them were there, how strange they think they know all the facts. The only fact I or anyone else can attest to is children were killed and that is was a horrible accident. Please know it was their time time to go and don't try to understand. God loves all his children even the rude people on this board.

Monday, May 19 at 11:33 AM Codey Bailey student of South Central wrote ...

ok now these kids were really great kids no one should go thriugh what these parents are going trough i think that the comments that i read was not good at all it is no bodys fault that these kids died its not their fault and it is not the train peoples fault it is the states fault and that is what people cant get through their heads there is no lights there is only a STOP SIGN!!! you can not see the tracks at all how should of known that they were there they stoped at the tracks.

Monday, May 19 at 11:33 AM J wrote ...

If the tracks have been there for a long time people that live in the area should know about them and know that they should stop. Prays go out to all involved

Monday, May 19 at 11:00 AM Anon wrote ...

Quite blaming the state and everyone else for this crash. How many people cross these tracks every day without incident. It is up to the drive to make sure it is safe to cross.

Monday, May 19 at 10:58 AM To 7:28 shannon alyssa and allen wrote ...

IF my son ran a stop sign and hurt someone else or himself, I WOULD blame him. It was his mistake, who else is there to blame. I take it you 3 are young and this is what is wrong with our youth today. YOU all want to blame everyone else for something YOU did. I am sorry for the families but the kids ran a STOP sign while the train was already at the crossing. The sign is there for a reason. We can put 20 lights and cement barriers up and people will still find a way to hit trains.

Monday, May 19 at 10:28 AM Anon wrote ...

If these kids die with nothing learned from the experience, then they die in with nothing learned from it. As always, it comes down to the driver being responsible for the safe operation of his vehicle. Sorry if you don't like that, but it is true.

Monday, May 19 at 10:28 AM Becky Prater wrote ...

I left a comment just a few minutes ago, but i forgot to add something...i just realized that something bad has to happen before somebody actually does anything to change it...why is that?? i'd like to know, can somebody tell me. i'd like to know why there wasnt lights or something put up at that intersection after one of the victoms parents was hit there?? why???? id like to know those boys had to die because our state was to lazy to put up the safety precautions??

Monday, May 19 at 9:30 AM Leah ... i went to school with them wrote ...

im one of the students at south central who went to school with them. if you think that it is common sense to stop at a stop sign, well it is. but he was a new, young driver and you cant tell me when you were a new driver yourself you didnt blow a couple stop signs. everyone makes mistakes. you dont have to be so hurtful about this. even the kid that went to school with them(and didnt even know them) have more respect. dont be so selfish and think about the ones who have lost a bestfriend/family

Monday, May 19 at 9:29 AM Martin wrote ...

I do not know those involved but I wish the families of all the victims all the best. I know they are going through a rough time but God will guide them through this terrible time and bring peace to their hearts. Hopefully something good will come out of this to where something like this will never happen again. My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved or connected in some way to those who lives were cut way to short. Turn to God and he will ease your pain and bring peace to you all.

Monday, May 19 at 8:52 AM Mike wrote ...

I am truly sorry for these families. May time ease your pain. We have all made terrible mistakes in our lives and those of us who are still alive can be very thankful of that. The fact is these kids made a bad mistake and maybe crossing lights might have kept them from hitting the train but remember, there have been hundreds of people hit by trains at crossings with lights and gates that were funcioning properly too. I just hope other teens learn from this.

Monday, May 19 at 8:27 AM Linda wrote ...

Sympathies to all involved. It was tragic as all accidents are. Who here knows if they stopped or slowed down and took off or if they tried to beat the train. No matter, they paid the supreme price which is their young lives and the families are forever changed because of it. It doesn't make sense to judge these young people. Who are we to judge anyhow. Maybe it was just their time and nothing could have changed that. May God bring comfort and peace to the familes.

Monday, May 19 at 7:36 AM Opinions are individuals rights wrote ...

I just don't understand why there has to be so much name calling here. EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO THEIR OPINION! If you don't agree, say so, but would you like to be called stupid for your opinion. Facts are facts, teenagers tend to drive too fast and don't stop at stop signs. The statistics are there. That is why it is so expensive to insure a male teenager. That is why this is called an accident. Accidents are to be caused by a mistake. Otherwise it would be called an "on purpose"

Monday, May 19 at 7:28 AM shannon, alyssa, and allan wrote ...

I lived in Hanna for 35 years. Those tracks have been horrible as far back as I can remember. How some of you people can even type on here and point fingers at this time is beyond me. I dont care if it was those kids fault-or the railroads, or both-SOMETHING needs to be done about it so we dont suffer ANOTHER tragedy. AND-I disagree, if it DID happen to your child-you wouldnt blame your own child for it IF they did run the stop sign. How could you? You are in our prayers!

Monday, May 19 at 7:16 AM So Sad to here about this wrote ...

My hart goes out to the famlies Bless there harts. I think that the state need to put up gates at every rail road crossing regardless.

Monday, May 19 at 7:05 AM student of GMS wrote ...

Come On and Mom in Goshen are RIGHT, there is a STOP SIGN there. That means you have to STOP!!!!!! My dad drives trains, so I don't just think about the families, I also think about the poor people on the train and how it is NOT there fault!! It takes a medium sized train about a MILE to stop, and you don't see trains jumping off the tracks to hit people, or at least I don't. My point is, also think about the people on the train, and how they have to go through the horror of hitting someone.

Monday, May 19 at 1:14 AM seriously wrote ...

People who want to criticize how these kids drive go out to that crossing or some like it and see how decieving they are. With tree lining the track sounds can be abdorbed. Who know how fast the train was going. My condolences to the families. Maybe this will lead to better saftey measures and awareness across the board.

Monday, May 19 at 12:06 AM SC Student wrote ...

Chans, Brandon, and James were all great kids. They are NOT to blame for this accident. Those tracks are TERRIBLE and even though there is a stop sign, you can't see anything until you're on the tracks. Boys, you will be remembered forever. We all loved you and will miss you terribly. School will never be the same without you. I am praying for the families and friends (we all know each other, so we're all family and friends) of these boys.

Sunday, May 18 at 11:01 PM joe wrote ...

people need to know that the term railroad crossing is misleading.more correct is road crossing.most times the tracks were there first.local and state govs must must id and pay most of the cost.they dont like to pay in dollars so the public pays in lives.the way they id the worst crossings is by the amount of accidents at roadcrossings.look to government as to blame and now more important,to fix this so it can never never happen again

Sunday, May 18 at 10:55 PM Anonymous wrote ...

my heart goes out for all the famlies.god bless to u all.

Sunday, May 18 at 10:52 PM DLS wrote ...

i wish that the people who are saying these things about them going to fast that they relize one of these days that the pain we are going thru and that we will never know what really happend to my friends....im praying for the families and friends that knew Chans Brandon and James and im praying for anyone who has been thru what this community is going thru right now

Sunday, May 18 at 10:48 PM anon wrote ...

There is a huge problem with drivers, and their non-chalant attitude towards rr tracks. Blaming the rr, or the state, or whoever, for no lights and gates is not the answer. Every crossbuck only crossing has an advance warning sign down the road, but people ignore them. As long as that attitude prevails, there'll be more accidents! Drivers, WE should make sure there is no train coming BEFORE we cross. Dont blame it on the rr. Hard issue to admit, but necessary if this is ever going to stop!

Sunday, May 18 at 10:39 PM anonymous wrote ...

Everyone please let up on Mom from Goshen. She recognizes a problem which will not be helped by avoiding the issue here, painful as it may be. People fly across rr tracks w/out even slowing down. That little strip of land where the trains cross is owned by the rr, and if you are on it when a train is blowing its whistle, or lights are going, you are trespassing! When will we start giving trains the respect they command? Come on, folks!

Sunday, May 18 at 10:31 PM dustinleeswanson wrote ...

this is will probly change all of our lives and all i kno is that we all need to stick to gether thru this and i want to say that im praying for all of the families and friends.. Brandon ( your are great and idk who im ganna talk baseball with b4 school man its ganna be different without you man i love you ) Chans ( the hogs on the line are ganna miss you man your grear and we had great times to gether ) James ( Me and you were good friends back in the day and you are awesome ) I love all you

Sunday, May 18 at 10:30 PM bryan porras from westville now was in hanna wrote ...

james was my best friend and brandon. i met them a long time ago and i am prying for u guys love u miss u alot man. cant stop thinking it was his b-day to day love u james . brandon love u u where like idk we whould ride are bikes around and act like they where dritbikes and evey thing eles.brandon mom i love u and missyou. love u guys miss u a lot i went to church to day and i was prying all day for u guys. they had good carer for them . man happend so fast love you moms

Sunday, May 18 at 10:29 PM To You people are crazy wrote ...

You hit the nail right on the head! They were going too fast, and saw the train too late. Even if there were no stop signs there, you need to stop! Common sense! As long as drivers keep going over rr crossings in this way, (not even slowing down or stopping), these accidents will continue. It is the responsibility of the driver to drive safely, yet people continue to go carelessly across crossings. I'm an engineer, and see it EVERY DAY on my train. When will we learn?

Sunday, May 18 at 9:58 PM Mom in Goshen wrote ...

Read the article! It quotes the father as saying that they put up crossbucks and a STOP SIGN! If there was a short amount of skid marks at the scene, then obviously he wasn't stopping for the stop sign. Also, even if you can't see down the tracks to look for a train, that's all the more reason to stop at the stop sign and listen for an approaching train. I'm sorry that I feel that it is not the responsiblity of the railroad to make sure that the public stops at stop signs.

Sunday, May 18 at 9:57 PM Friend of the vitims..... wrote ...

every1 know's every1 at South Central and i am going to miss those 3... they didn't deserve to die! they were amazing people. it's just not fair at all! i just feel lucky that i knew them and got to be very close friends with brandon, chans and james. i want everyone to know how cool of ppl they were and how much they all cared for everyone else b4 themselves. if u needed a friend those were the 3 that would be there for u.... they were there for me many times... this is gunna be hard!

Sunday, May 18 at 9:52 PM c wrote ...

My prayers go out to the families. I cant grasp the amount of pain you must be going through. Please dont listen to these mean stupid people who critisize the dead. Just hold your head up and keep up your fight in your sons memory. God Bless

Sunday, May 18 at 9:18 PM Mitch wrote ...

I am sorry for these families..it is tragic. I agree that you cannot put lights at every crossing. you have to stop and look before crossing at these locations. Turn the music off and roll down the window if it is a dangerous location. There is only so much a rail road can do and no matter how much they do, people still ignore it often. I live by tracks and see it several times daily. It is the land owners job to clear obstructions.

Sunday, May 18 at 8:15 PM Anon wrote ...

Any such incident as this should be looked at as a learning experience. There is no way lights will be at EVERY crossing in the US, it just isn't feasable. Drivers need to make sure it is clear to cross the tracks.

Sunday, May 18 at 8:05 PM Walkerton wrote ...

I live by tracks that have flashing lights and cross arms. People go around them and ignore the lights every day. They do not make the crossing safer. It still boils down to the driver and how cautious he is. I am sorry for the families.

Sunday, May 18 at 8:01 PM Mom from Mishawaka wrote ...

This is for the family of these young boys..my heart goes out to the parents my family's prayers are with you

Sunday, May 18 at 6:30 PM South_Central Student wrote ...

I'm so sorry for the parents and I just want them to know that all the students at South Central are here for them and the kids.

Sunday, May 18 at 6:11 PM Opinions count wrote ...

I live right next to those tracks. i knew them all very well and was very close to them. school is really going to suck but we should get through it. if i know those 3 as well i im positive i do, they want us to celebrate their existence not mourne them being gone. it's a blessing they even lived at all. they will be missed but at least they are in a better place than suffering in a hospital bed on life support. think of it that way. prayers to the families!! remember accidents happen.this was 1

Sunday, May 18 at 6:02 PM Devon Lopez wrote ...

I just can't belive it was james, brandon, and chans, they were all my friends

Sunday, May 18 at 4:27 PM How sad wrote ...

Troy, the sarcasm is not needed! I think people would just be happy to see lights at every crossing. Or lights and gates. Kind of ironic I found out that the tracks that these kids were killed on were the same set of tracks (not crossing location) that a family member of mine was killed on, and had no warning lights either. (Earlier post from How Sad) Keep in mind that unguarded crossings are very common in rural areas such as Hanna. Something really needs to be done. Not a dumb overpass

Sunday, May 18 at 3:46 PM Kay J White wrote ...

Regardless of who's at fault it won't bring the boys back. What needs to be done is to make sure that it don't happen again. It is a hurt that won't go away when you lose a son. I know from first hand experance.

Sunday, May 18 at 3:39 PM Troy wrote ...

Let's put an underpass at every railroad crossing, then we know this will never happen again. All of you "do-gooders" can be the first to pay for it. Remember, it's for the children.

Sunday, May 18 at 3:19 PM Anonymous wrote ...

My heart aches. I am so sorry that these young men have passed. My family lost a loved one to a train accident almost 2 years ago. We were very lucky to have found support from a family in IL experiencing the same loss. Their website is www.kristenslaw.org and they are wonderful. I offer to anyone who has lost a loved one in a train accident to check this site out. They have been a tremendous source of compassion and understanding. Please know my heart and prayers are with your families.

Sunday, May 18 at 3:15 PM You people are crazy!! wrote ...

Boy, it is nice to see the amount of sympathy shown here! (more like the lack of) Read the article in the News Dispatch, they stated that there was a short amount of skid marks at the scene. That leads me to believe that these kids did not intentionally run a stop sign. They were probably travelling too fast and realized at the last minute that there was a train, tried stopping and failed to do so in time. And yes, at these tracks it is often hard to see a train until the last minute. So sad

Sunday, May 18 at 2:28 PM anon wrote ...

To Goshen Mom..no your not mean, your STUPID. There's a bit of a survivability rate between getting hit by a car and hit by a train.

Sunday, May 18 at 2:08 PM Make it Safer wrote ...

My husband grew up one road over from where this happened. He just told me that you CAN'T see what's coming on the tracks unless you get right up on them. To me, that is the responsibility of the railroad company to fix. Having a blind intersection of any kind is not safe...so they ALL need to be re-evaluated and made SAFE. My son will be driving in a few years and I want crossing guards at all tracks...that way, even if he can't see the train coming, he will have to stop.

Sunday, May 18 at 2:06 PM To a Mom in Goshen: wrote ...

Where did you read the kid ran the stop sign? Just curious...Let's stick to the facts lady! You weren't there, so you don't know! I feel for this family. There are plenty of crossings where you can stop and not really even see a train coming until you are on the tracks!!!

Sunday, May 18 at 1:58 PM GB wrote ...

my son goes to the school these young men attended and was friends with them. reguardless of who is at fault this will hurt the south central comminuity where the school is small and everyone knows everyone. my heart and prayers go out to not only the families of these young people but to their friends as well. as my son said, these kids were all good kids.

Sunday, May 18 at 1:20 PM Northern Indiana wrote ...

I have never seen a train swerve at a car, it's always the cars fault.

Sunday, May 18 at 1:08 PM mother of teenagers wrote ...

Would someome please tell me where in this article it says the teenager ran the stop sign. Everybody is quick to jump to conclusions, maybe he did stop at the stop sign, just didn't see the train.You really should find out all the facts before you going making ignorant comments. Think of the families and how they feel reading your comments that is judging their lost loved ones. Put yourself in their shoes and see how you would feel. Think next time before you write.

Sunday, May 18 at 12:54 PM Bill wrote ...

EVERYONE needs to be mindful of crossing railroad tracks anytime. This is a reason trains need to blow their horns, but that will tick too many people off. We need to learn from these type of incident to prevent them again.

Sunday, May 18 at 11:55 AM Mom in Goshen wrote ...

I'm not mean. But, the fact remains that if this had happened at a county road intersection, the driver ran a stop sign, hit another car and was killed, no one would be saying that there needs to be a traffic light there and blaming the county. The kid ran a stop sign and lost. It's no fault of the railroad! I do have kids and I hope nothing like this ever happens to any of them. But, if it does, I couldn't blame anyone else for my child running a stop sign. I'm sorry if you disagree.

Sunday, May 18 at 11:45 AM Misty wrote ...

I feel sorry for the train crew. There's not a thing in the world they can do except for what were doing. And that is blowing the horn and having thier headlights and ditch lights on. The crossing is marked by crossbucks and a stop sign. Obiviously they did not STOP! It's sure not the fault of the railroad! And since the mother was also hit at this crossing 5 years ago, you would think that these kids would know better. I've been at this crossing and you can see trains in both directions!

Sunday, May 18 at 10:52 AM i was effected wrote ...

i think that these people should know that this is dangerous and these crossings are very dangerous.common scence would be to stop and listen but who knows if they didnt stop maybe they didnt hear the whistle.in this incident i think there is no1 to blame we have all suffered enough lets keep the families in our prayers and I am so sorry for you loss!lets learn the lession train sites are dangerous we should all proceed with coution!

Sunday, May 18 at 10:48 AM Me wrote ...

This is for Mom in Goshen at 10:01. No one said there isn't a stop sign there. You are just pure mean. I hope something like this never happens to anyone you know.

Sunday, May 18 at 10:40 AM anonymous wrote ...

my heart goes out to the family that have to suffer through the actions of this misdeed, as i said before if it is a previous issue it SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED!

Sunday, May 18 at 10:39 AM anonymous wrote ...

For the sake of everyone, every rail road crossing should have the rails and lights put up, its dangerous not to, it angers me that a company could be so stupid, haven't we all realized that accidents happen, if there is a way for it to happen it will, so it would be better to find a way to make it less able to happen by doing everything they can do to prevent it, and if this has been an issue before it definitely should be fixed.

Sunday, May 18 at 10:01 AM Mom in Goshen wrote ...

I'm sorry. But, there is a STOP SIGN there. That means you are supposed to STOP! The driver obviously failed to obey the traffic signal. How is that the railroads fault? If he would have stopped he would have heard the train whistle or even saw the train coming. I feel bad for the families, but I don't think it's fair to blame the railroad for the driver's neglect.

Sunday, May 18 at 9:46 AM skissman wrote ...

We have a crossing here in New Buffalo that has great visibility unless a train is waiting on the siding. It is a stop sign crossing with Amtrak sharing the line. Very dangerous.

Sunday, May 18 at 9:19 AM how sad wrote ...

This is a terrible tragedy, and my thoughts and prayers go out to each and every family. As someone who has lost a family member to an unguarded railroad crossing, I agree something definately needs to be done. There should at least be flashing lights at EVERY crossing. I have said this for years. My family member lost his life due to poor visibility due to fog and no warning lighs. He was a father of 2 young children and on his way to work. Please someone step up to the plate, NOW!!!

Sunday, May 18 at 9:05 AM Tania wrote ...

Warning lights and gates need to go up ay this railroad crossing. My heart goes out to this family.You are in my prayers

Sunday, May 18 at 9:02 AM Troy wrote ...

I smell a lawsuit.

Sunday, May 18 at 8:53 AM Come On wrote ...

No. 1, the driver hit the train, not the other way around. No. 2, if the driver would have stop as the law requires for a stop sight posted at the crossing he would not have hit the train. It is certainly a tragic loss, but in no way the railroad's fault.

Sunday, May 18 at 5:17 AM john wrote ...

i have not been to that rail crossing but i know kids and all people need to watch out at all railroad crossing to be sure no train is comming.

Sunday, May 18 at 3:06 AM Anon wrote ...

In these types of things it is easy to look to blame someone else, when that is not really the issue. It is common sense that when approaching a crossing, you need to approach with caution. I'm not blaming anyone here, just speaking common sense.

Sunday, May 18 at 12:40 AM just an opinion wrote ...

Push it off on the state instead of trying to work on the issue...quality..

Saturday, May 17 at 11:52 PM RighOn... wrote ...

I expressed this exact same point in a comment in the initial report about this tragedy. I have driven many rural miles in a big delivery truck through some of these dangerous crossings. I again feel so sorry for the families affected by this. My heart goes to them all. The mother is right, something needs to be done. The railroad co. should provide actual warning singals and gates. If not the local counties should create some sort of fine or penalty till they do. These are dangerous areas.

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