Iowa Motorist Seriously Injured at Dangerous, Unguarded CN Crossing
(Fonda, Iowa – February 15, 2025)
An Iowa truck driver was seriously injured last Wednesday morning after a collision with CN freight train. The collision occurred two miles west of Fonda Iowa in Pocahontas County, Iowa. According to the Iowa State Police, the semi truck was traveling north on 120th Avenue as it approached the unguarded CN crossing. The truck attempted to cross the tracks, but was struck by a CN freight train.
The force of impact caused the semi truck to break apart, roll, and partially derail the train. The semi truck driver was taken to a Storm Lake, Iowa hospital for treatment of their injuries.
According to railroad submitted records, trains average of three trains that traverse of the CN crossing at speeds up to 40 mph. The railroad tracks also intersect the crossing at a skewed angle, potentially making it difficult for a motorist to see an oncoming train. There have also been two prior collisions at this crossing. However, the crossing lacks proven safety devices—lights and gates.
It is virtually certain that the addition of lights and gates could have prevented this tragedy and the three collisions prior. CN and Operation Lifesaver know that the installation of lights and gates at these unprotected crossings saves lives. Studies that have been conducted over fifty years ago confirm that lights and gates offer the ability to drastically reduce the number of vehicle/train collisions by as much as 96%.
