Apr 25, 2023

Cars, locomotives derailed after train, semi crash in Kansas

Posted Apr 25, 2023 4:00 PM
Photo Woodson Co. Sheriff
Photo Woodson Co. Sheriff

WOOODSON COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Monday in Woodson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Freightliner semi driven by Gregory Lewis, 63, Leon, was eastbound on 80th Road a half mile east of Navajo Road southeast of Yates Center in southeast Kansas.

The driver failed to yield at a stop sign before crossing the railroad tracks.

A Union Pacific train split the semi truck and trailer.  The accident caused the derailment of approximately two dozen rail cars and five locomotives, according to Union Pacific spokesman Mike Jaixen. Most of the derailed cars were empty, but some were carrying cottonseed, plastic pellets, tall oil and fertilizer.

EMS transported Lewis to Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola. The Union Pacific employees on board the train were not injured. Lewis was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Pacific crews are clearing the derailed cars and preparing to repair and reopen the tracks. The incident is still under investigation, according to Union Pacific.