A young Kansas man was killed when a Burlington Northern Santa Fe locomotive broadsided his vehicle at a rural grade crossing. The accident occurred just after noon on Friday at a railroad crossing that was protected with only a crossbuck sign. According to the Lawrence Journal-World, “The train came to a stop about a half-mile east of the crossing, the truck sustained heavy damage, especially on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Andy Williams, a BNSF spokesman, said it was a public crossing that was not protected by flashing lights or gates. The intersection does have crossbucks identifying it as a railroad crossing, he said.” The Journal-World article added comments from Lexie Engleman, an area resident, who said that neighbors are cautious of the crossing, especially because it does not have lights or gates and because it is an isolated road. “I think any crossing is dangerous, but I think it’s one that you really need to be careful with” , added Ms. Engleman. “If you’re not familiar with it, it can come up on you before you know it.”
