A newborn is fighting to survive after being saved from the lifeless body of her mother, who died after their SUV collided with a FrontRunner train near 600 W. and 900 S. Monday night.
The Tongan mother has been identified as 30-year-old Kaipā ʻOfa KiʻUiha Sateki Kinikini, also known as ʻOfa Kinikini, a Salt Lake City resident.
Her baby was delivered and is in extremely critical condition, said Salt Lake City Police Department spokesman Det.
A auto, driven by a man with the woman in the passenger seat, drove around the crossing arms that were down and the vehicle was hit by the train as they attempted to cross the tracks, according to Utah Transit Authority spokesman Remi Barron.
Kinikini was transported to hospital and later died from injuries sustained in the accident, Californian media reported.
“Today we celebrate pioneer men, women and children who overcame tremendous political persecution, physical challenges and personal adversity to build a new life in the West and make the Utah desert blossom like a rose”. Her infant survived the crash and was hospitalized.
Police didn’t immediately release the identities of those involved.
The train was out of service and headed to Provo to prepare for the morning commute, he said.
