POWESHIEK COUNTY, Iowa — One person was killed and another injured following a train collision with a semi-truck at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday.
The incident occurred on Highway 21 at the intersection with Iowa Interstate Railroad tracks between Brooklyn and Victor. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, Highway 21 is closed in both directions between Interstate 80 and Highway 6 due to the derailment of over 20 rail cars.
Poweshiek County authorities confirmed that the driver of the semi-truck died at the scene, while a passenger sustained serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance. The identities of those involved are currently withheld.
Emergency personnel indicated that there were passengers aboard the train, but their injuries were minor and did not require hospitalization. Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Mike McCormick reported that the semi-truck was carrying a large John Deere tractor, which may have contributed to the derailment.
Investigators are looking into whether the warning lights at the railroad crossing were operational at the time of the crash. According to Poweshiek County Sheriff Matt Maschmann, Highway 21 will remain closed for several days as cleanup and repairs are undertaken.
Authorities from Iowa Interstate Railroad have yet to comment on the situation.