FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Two women are dead and a man was taken to a hospital in critical condition after a Tri-Rail train struck a vehicle at the Commercial Boulevard crossing Thursday morning, Tri-Rail officials said.

The train was going north when it hit a Toyota Corolla carrying three people.

Brandon Williams and Matia Hughes said the car had become caught between the two railroad gates.

"She realized, 'OK, the train is coming.' She tried to back up, and the arms that come down caught the back of her car," Hughes said.

"She panicked and she tried to beat the train, and it hit her. It hit her hard," Williams said.

The couple said they watched in horror as the Toyota Corolla went airborne. Williams and Hughes rushed to the three victims. A man was still trapped in the car, and two women were on the ground.

"She kind of gasped for air and was moving her mouth a little," Williams said.

"There was blood profusely coming out of her face. I tried to wipe the blood away so she could breathe. I saw that she was breathing," Hughes said.

The man, whom police identified as Eddie Hamblin, was taken to North Broward Medical Center in critical condition.

Police said the two women who died were 22-year-old Felicia Hatmaker and 44-year-old Connie Hamblin. All three of the victims were from Tennessee.

"I have to live the rest of my life knowing that someone literally died in my arms," Williams said.

No passengers on the train were injured.

Police said they believe the railroad crossing arms, lights and bells were working properly.

Tri-Rail resumed its regular service at about 12:30 p.m.