Icy road conditions were a factor in a train striking a pickup truck in Bangs on Saturday afternoon; however there were no injuries according to local law enforcement.
At approximately 12:40 p.m. on Saturday, a Ford Explorer pickup attempted to cross the railroad tracks at the 100 block of E. Hall Street, near the Dollar General Store in Bangs. According to Bangs Chief of Police Troy Greusendorf, ice and not being able to stop were a factor in the wreck; however the investigation was still underway.The train was headed east on the tracks when it collided with the pickup, carrying it 75-100 yards down the track and tearing off the bed of the pickup, according to Greusendorf. He stated that the wreckage was about 14 train cars up the track from the railway crossing.
No one was injured according to law enforcement. The driver told police that he saw the lights come on at the crossing and tried to brake, sliding onto the tracks, then overcorrected and got stuck. The two occupants were able to get out of the vehicle before the train collided with it.
Greusendorf commended the group effort of all responding agencies and was thankful for the quick response.
“This is what I love about small towns, DPS, the game warden and the Sheriff’s department all showed up, everyone sticks together and looks out for each other,” said Greusendorf.
Bangs Volunteer Fire Department also responded to the scene of the accident.
Pictured at top is the intersection where the collision occurred.
