A woman in a wheelchair, identified as Maribel Gaitan, 44 of Ames, was crossing the train tracks at Duff Avenue when an eastbound train struck her Sunday morning. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a news release.

Gaitan recently arrived in Ames and was residing at the Ames Motor Lodge located in the 300 block of east Lincoln Way, according to a news release.

The intersection was closed due to the train being stopped and the need for investigation, said Jim Robinson, investigations commander for Ames Police.

“Photos needed to be taken, search for evidence and a medical examiner were needed before we could open back up the intersection,” Robinson said.

During the course of the investigation a number of interviews have been completed with witnesses in the area of the crossing. It has been determined that the railway safety equipment in position at the crossing was operational and functioning at the time of this incident, according to a news release.

A follow-up investigation in this case continues by the Ames Police Department and the Union Pacific Railroad. Anyone with information relating to this incident is encouraged to contact Ames Police.