Train Crashes Into Truck, Kills Driver

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NEWTON, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita man died Wednesday when a freight train crashed into the cab of his dump truck while he crossed a section of tracks lacking warning lights or automatic gates.

Olin "Gene" Harper, 64, had just left the Harvey County landfill near Newton when he was struck by the 75-car freight train. The crossing is marked only by crossbucks and was the site of another fatal accident more than a decade ago.

Harvey County Sheriff Byron Motter said Harper was driving east on a gravel road at 25 mph when he was struck by the northbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe train that was traveling 45 to 50 mph.

The truck, which burst into flames upon impact, was knocked more than 100 feet from the crossing, Motter said. Harper was pronounced dead at the scene.

Harper, who had a clean driving record, was employed by A-Plus Trucking of Wichita.