KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Union Pacific conductor was seriously injured in a grade crossing collision on Saturday night, according to local media reports.
An eastbound UP train, being operated by remote control, was hit by a van that drove around the crossing gates at North Prospect Avenue around 9:45 p.m. The impact of the collision forced the van to swing into the last car of the train, pinning the remote control operator. The UP employee was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
The driver of the van was not injured.
Maybe it is time to have all grade crossings that are subject to shove moves have rail cameras. That is always a dangerous situation at any time even with regular grade crossing protection as in this case. There needs to be very heavy fines for persons going around gates with approaching trains especially shove moves not protected. Back up whistles are almost no help for vehicles to hear. Another solution would be to have crossings subject to shove moves to have the grade crossing protection to sound a fixed horn?
This is all too frequent in life. The bad guy is good to go while the good guy suffers. So sad, and prayers for the conductor and family. endmrw0511251032
“The driver of the van was not injured.”
At least not physically, but they will be finanacially.
The van driver should be charged with some serious crimes, with his license permanently revoked… this is just beyond reckless and stupid.