A Michigan man has the close call of a lifetime this week, escaping with only a scratch when a speeding train barreled into his car, authorities say.

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The Lapeer County Sheriff's Office said witnesses recounted seeing James Brimmer, 26, of Flint drive around a lowered railroad crossing gate with signals activated Friday morning only to be struck by an Amtrak passenger train, the Detroit Free Press reported.

The train, traveling at an estimated 60-65 mph, tore Brimmer's car in half, the newspaper said.

"He survived, and it's just an amazing thing that he did," Sgt. Craig Miller of the Sheriff's Office said.

Brimmer's only injury was a scratched knee that didn't require medical attention but a wheel of his car flew through the window of a nearby tax preparation firm's building, Miller said. Brimmer was given three citations, the officer said.

Brimmer, who was reported to have been on his way to work when the accident occurred, could not be reached for comment, the newspaper said.