NEWTON, Iowa — A train crash at the Highway T12 railroad crossing injured one person and caused extensive road blockages on Monday afternoon.
According to the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, a 911 call was received at 4:44 p.m. reporting a collision involving a car and a train near North 39th Avenue E. Investigators found that a 2016 Dodge Dart, stopped at a flashing light, was struck from behind by a 2007 GMC Sierra driven by Eric Ramos-Lucas, 24, of Marshalltown.
The impact pushed the Dodge Dart onto the railroad tracks, where it was later hit by the approaching train. The driver managed to exit the vehicle during the incident, sustaining injuries not believed to be life-threatening; he was hospitalized following the crash. Ramos-Lucas declined medical attention and has been charged with failing to stop in assured clear distance.
While emergency response personnel were on the scene, a first responder vehicle became disabled on the tracks, delaying the reopening of three crossings until approximately 7:10 p.m. The investigation remains ongoing.