THP said 71-year-old Cleo Emerson and 70-year-old Robert Gibson, both of Philadelphia, were killed when their 2000 Chevy Trailblazer crossed the railroad tracks while the warning lights were on. 

THP said after the SUV was hit by the train on the driver's side, it traveled off the road, overturned and then crashed into a shed.

Norfolk Southern said one of their trains was involved in Tuesday's fatal collision in Philadelphia, Tenn.

Rachel McDonnell, media relations manager for Norfolk Southern, said the wreck happened about 12:15 p.m. Tuesday.

The Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol were among the agencies at the scene.

Witness Jack Cody told WBIR what he saw.

“Well, I was out in the yard with the dog, and I glanced up at the bells going off at the crossing," Cody said. "And I saw a little car that had almost stopped. And then it punched the gas and tried to make it in front of the train, and it couldn't get across. It was almost like the brakes was failing or something. The train hit it dead in the side.”

Norfolk Southern said its employees assisted law enforcement with the investigation. In addition to the wreck details, the company provided the following statement:

"At Norfolk Southern, the safety of our employees and the communities we serve is our number one priority. Norfolk Southern advises motorists and pedestrians to stay alert around railroad tracks, and to be mindful of all warning signs and signals at railroad crossings."

The train was en route from Chattanooga to Roanoke, Virginia.