(March 17, 2026 – Lyon County, Iowa)
A man was fatally injured after his vehicle was struck by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train early Tuesday afternoon at approximately 12:30 p.m. The tragic collision occurred northwest of Lester, Iowa, on 110th Street, between Dipper Avenue and Dogwood Avenue.
The victim has been identified as 39-year-old Kyle Madetzke of Baltic, South Dakota. The Iowa State Patrol reported that Madetzke was travelling westbound on 110th St. in his F-350 pickup when the passenger side was struck by a southbound BNSF train. Following the crash, the truck rolled and caught fire. Madetzke was pronounced dead by responders at the scene.
According to BNSF’s records submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration, the crossing at which the collision took place is a public crossing situated on a rural road. The BNSF crossing sees an average of eight day and night trains that travel at speeds of up to 49 miles per hour. The crossing lacks pavement markings and any active warning devices. It is entirely devoid of gates, mounted and cantilevered lights, and bells. The combination of the dirt road and absence of active warnings creates hazards for motorists, as they are forced to divide their attention between driving, maneuvering the unstable surface, and checking for oncoming trains.
The crash occurred just days before a similar crash between a semi-trailer and train in Bettendorf, IA, and fortunately resulted in no injuries.
The Iowa State Patrol is continuing to investigate the collision.