Thursday, March 6, 2014

Vehicle versus Train Crash near Blackfoot

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release ListServer
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Idaho State Police
District 5 5205 South 5th Ave.
Pocatello, Idaho 83204-2299
(208) 236-6466 FAX: (208) 236-6068

For Immediate Release: 3/6/2014 4:25 p.m.
Please direct questions to the District Office

On March 6, 2014 at approximately 1:28 p.m., the Idaho State Police investigated a vehicle vs. train crash on 100 West at US-91 in Blackfoot. Anthony Pfannschmidt, 26, of Blackfoot, was southbound on 100 West, just off US-91 in a 1999 Dodge Dakota pickup and was approaching a railroad crossing. The red lights at the crossing were activated due to an approaching Union-Pacific train. After stopping, Pfannschmidt felt like he was in dangerous proximity to the crossing and decided to cross the tracks. As Pfannschmidt was crossing the tracks his vehicle experienced a mechanical issue causing it to slow. After slowing, Pfannschmidt's vehicle was struck and pushed off the tracks by the passing train.

Pffanschmidt's vehicle sustained heavy damage due to the collision. There was minor damage to the train, and no damage to the tracks. While there was no road blockage due to the crash, the road was blocked for half an hour for traffic control. Pfannschmidt was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured in the crash. This crash is under investigation by the Idaho State Police.


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