September 26th, 2024
NEWS RELEASE
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies are currently investigating a vehicle vs. train crash that took place yesterday (Sept. 25th) just after 5pm near the intersection of 65th S. And S. Yellowstone Hwy. Sheriff’s Deputies and Idaho Falls Fire Personnel arrived on scene where witnesses were providing aide to a 48 year old female driver in an SUV that had been pushed off the tracks and down an embankment. Fire Personnel extricated the female from the vehicle and transported her to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) where she later died from her injuries.
Witnesses advised Deputies the vehicle was stopped on the tracks between the crossing arms and back from the stop light at the intersection facing west bound. A north bound Union Pacific train had activated emergency braking procedures and its horn approximately a quarter mile before the crossing, but was unable to stop before impacting the vehicle.
There were no other occupants in the vehicle and no injuries were reported from the train operators. The rail crossing arms were damaged as a result of the collision and Union Pacific Personnel responded to repair and inspect it before reopening it to train and vehicle traffic.
The crash is still under investigation and no further information is available at this time. The victims name is being withheld at this time pending family notification.
Deputies remind motorists and pedestrians to be careful around trains, rail road crossings, and tracks. Trains can operate at any time of the day or night and have the right of way at almost all crossings. No matter what crossing you come across, always stay back from the tracks behind lights and crossing arms, and painted stop lines to allow clearance for the train to come through. Obey blinking red crossing lights by stopping and looking both directions before you cross, and never drive around crossing arms.
For more information about rail crossing safety visit the Idaho Operation Lifesaver Website https://idahooperationlifesaver.org/Idaho Operation Lifesaver Website https://idahooperationlifesaver.org/ or the National Rail Safety Alliance https://nrsainc.org/National Rail Safety Alliance https://nrsainc.org/
