‘Mile-long’ train smashes into Ford Explorer, sending two to the hospital via helicopter
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MCCAMMON — A “mile-long” Union Pacific freight train barreled into the driver’s side of a silver 2008 Ford Explorer at the 12th Street intersection in McCammon on Friday evening, according to the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office.
“The vehicle was pushed from the tracks — probably about 50 feet, a 100 feet maybe from the tracks,” Corporal Ellett of the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office reported.
The SUV was crossing the railroad tracks at approximately 5:04 p.m. when the wreck occurred.
The two occupants of the vehicle, a man and woman from McCammon, were transported via air ambulance to Portneuf Medical Center.
The driver was extracted from the Explorer with the Jaws of Life, a set of tools used to cut open the vehicle. The passenger did not require the additional assistance to exit the vehicle.
No other individuals were injured in the incident.
Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Bannock County Search and Rescue, Portneuf Air Med, Pocatello Ambulance and Lava Ambulance responded to the incident.
It is unclear at this time whether the driver of the Ford SUV did not see the train coming or attempted to beat it across the intersection when he drove onto the tracks.
“There’s no arms. There’s no lights there. It just has a yield sign,” Ellett said.
He warned drivers to pay attention at any railroad crossing.
Most trains travel in the area at 30 to 40 miles per hour.
“Watch those tracks. Look both ways. Be cognizant. I think people become complacent, especially on that type of crossing. …You know, ‘Oh, I don’t hear. I don’t see it. I’m just gonna go,'” Ellett said.
The 12th Street intersection was closed for two hours until about 7 p.m.
“Just check in both ways. It’s still a yield, and we have to yield to the trains,” Ellett said.