NEWTON, Iowa – A collision between a pickup truck and a car at a railroad crossing Monday afternoon blocked access for rural residents for several hours.
The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. at the Highway T12 crossing near North 39th Avenue E. A pickup truck rear-ended a car that was stopped at the flashing railroad crossing, pushing it onto the tracks just before it was hit by a train, according to the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.
The car's driver exited the vehicle moments before the collision and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. They were transported to a local hospital. Authorities identified the pickup truck driver as 24-year-old Eric Ramos-Lucas, who faces charges for failing to stop at a safe distance.
First responders encountered further complications when one of their vehicles became stuck on the tracks, delaying the opening of three crossings until approximately 7:10 p.m.
Residents north of the tracks reported significant disruption. Wayne Kono, a local resident, described waiting for two and a half hours to return home. He noted that a recently demolished bridge over the North Skunk River limited their access to town.
Mindy Adkison, another resident, emphasized the need for emergency access, stating that current train delays can severely impact residents, particularly in urgent situations. The Jasper County Sheriff's Office indicated it could coordinate with the railroad during emergencies to facilitate prompt access.
Community members raised concerns at a Jasper County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday. Board Chair confirmed that options for alternative routes are restricted and require funding considerations.