Train Collision with Vehicle

DATE & TIME: 09-20-2022 / 11:22 am            

LOCATION: West Hickory Road / Southwest 89^th Road

OFFENSE: Train Collision with Vehicle

CASE #: 2022-4974

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a crash involving an occupied vehicle and a Burlington Northern Sante Fe train at the rail road crossing at West Hickory Road, just east of Southwest 89^th Road.

The investigation revealed 56-year-old Jorge A. Martinez of Laredo, Texas was driving a 2022 Ford F350 pickup and trailer westbound on West Hickory Road and was crossing the railroad tracks between Southwest 75^th and Southwest 89^th while a train was approaching the railroad crossing.  Martinez swerved to attempt to avoid the train, however the train engine impacted the back of his vehicle/trailer combination, bifurcating the truck from the trailer.  The motor vehicle’s final resting position from the accident was on the west side of the train and the trailer was on the east side of the train.

No injuries were reported; however, the train was out of commission and blocking West Hickory Road for several hours.  The Burlington Northern Sante Fe Police Department sent an officer to assist in the investigation.  The Gage County Highway Department responded and helped with rerouting traffic around the accident.

Mr. Martinez was cited for failure to yield (to a train).  Alcohol and speed are not considered to be contributing factors in the accident.  Mr. Martinez was wearing his seatbelt.

Sheriff Millard “Gus” Gustafson #903

Deputy S. Behrens #90317

Deputy J. Chavez #9036

Sergeant T. Hanson #90310