Missouri Motorist Seriously Injured at Unguarded BNSF Crossing
(Shelbina, Missouri – September 8, 2020)
A local Shelbina MO man was transported by ground ambulance to a Quincy, Illinois hospital after his 2000 Volvo was struck by an eastbound BNSF Railway freight train. The collision occurred at a dangerous and unguarded private crossing a mile west of Shelbina, Missouri at about 12:05 PM, CDT Tuesday.
The motorist, Donald G. Leftwich, 46, suffered serious injuries. According to reports, his northbound vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by one of four daily BNSF trains that roll through Shelbina at maximum allowable speeds of 60 mph.
It is unclear if the victim was ever aware of the oncoming train as BNSF rules do not require sounding of train horns as they approach crossings designated as “private”.
Leftwich was admitted to Quincy’s Blessing Hospital in serious condition.
