let's do a simple calculation

Assume:

1. Train speed: 60mph = 27m/s
2. totally inelastic collision  (thanks to the soft body of the car)

 

then we can get the lateral acceleration that car/human  subjected:

if impact duration is 0.3s : 27/0.3 = 90m/s2 = 10G

if impact duration is 0.2s : 27/0.3 = 135m/s2 = 13.5G

人所能承受的横向加速度参见图中的黄线。所以左侧两个人可以生存。右侧由于车辆变形而没有机会。

由于火车质量远远大于小车，这种碰撞类似于撞墙试验。小车，软车对成员的保护较好。

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-force