(Robards, Kentucky – October 14, 2025)
A father and son were killed last Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at approximately 6:30 a.m. following a collision with a CSX freight train. The crash occurred at the CSX crossing located at the CSX railroad tracks and roadway intersection of Cherry Hill Road and Robards-Busby Station Road, just north of Robards in Henderson County.
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as 60-year-old Basten Johnson and 35-year-old Basi Johnson, both of Orlando, Florida. They were pronounced dead at the scene. According to officials at the scene, the two were employed by Moss Contracting. According to reports, they were on their way to work when they reportedly did not see the northbound train and were struck on the driver’s side. Their vehicle was pushed another 2,000 feet before finally coming to a stop.
According to CSX Transportation’s records, the crossing where the accident took place sees an average of 10 trains per day, traveling at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. The crossing has no lights, crossing arms, or bells to actively warn motorists and pedestrians. In addition, dense vegetation down the length of the western side of the tracks creates sight obstructions, potentially hindering motorists’ ability to see oncoming trains. Moreover, the railroad crossing is situated adjacent to a T-intersection, which may reduce visibility or create confusion for drivers.
It is virtually certain that the installation of lights and gates at this crossing would have prevented this tragic loss of life. CSX and Operation Lifesaver know that studies that were conducted over fifty years ago confirm that lights and gates can drastically reduce the number of vehicle/train collisions by as much as 96%.
The Henderson County police are continuing to investigate the collision.