(Strongs Prairie, Wisconsin – January 7, 2012)
The 50-year-old driver of a southbound pickup truck died in a collision with a Union Pacific freight train Saturday afternoon about 1:20 P.M. when he made a complete stop at the dangerous, unguarded crossing of 20th Avenue in Strongs Prairie, WI, and then proceeded into the westbound train’s path.
Brian A. Bernal, of Arkdale, WI, was ejected from his vehicle upon impact, and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Adams County medical examiner.
The 20th Avenue crossing of Union Pacific tracks has no electronic, automatic protective devices such as lights, bells or gates, relying solely upon standard, passive railroad crossbuck and highway stop signs to warn the driving public of oncoming trains.
