VALDERS, WI — On Wednesday afternoon, a 76‑year‑old Valders resident found herself in a life‑threatening situation when her sport‑utility vehicle failed to yield at a railroad crossing on Lenz Road, south of U.S. Highway 151. A Canadian National freight train traveling east along the tracks struck the SUV, sending the vehicle into a ditch and trapping the driver inside.
Emergency response and rescue
At approximately 3:30 p.m., dispatch received an automated iPhone crash‑detection 911 call indicating a vehicle‑train collision. First‑responders from Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office, the Valders Fire Department, and local EMS units arrived within minutes. Crews found the SUV lodged in the ditch with the driver unable to exit.
Using hydraulic rescue tools, deputies and firefighters carefully cut away the vehicle’s frame and pulled the woman free. Because of the severity of her injuries, medics determined that rapid transport to a trauma‑center was essential. A helicopter from the regional air‑medical service was dispatched, and the driver was air‑lifted to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
Investigation and road closure
Preliminary investigation by the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office indicates the driver was traveling south on Lenz Road when the train approached the crossing. The crossing is marked only by a yield sign, not by flashing lights or gates. Deputies say the driver failed to yield the right of way, a violation of Wisconsin traffic law that requires motorists to stop and give way to any approaching train.
Following the collision, Lenz Road was closed to traffic for more than two hours while investigators documented the scene, cleared debris, and ensured the track was safe for train traffic. The closure caused temporary delays for commuters using the nearby U.S. Highway 151 corridor.
Safety reminder for motorists
County officials used the incident as a reminder that trains cannot stop quickly. A freight train traveling at typical speeds can require a mile or more to come to a complete halt. Drivers are urged to approach every railroad crossing with caution, obey all signage, and never attempt to beat an oncoming train.
“Railroad crossings are high‑risk locations,” said Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Mark Jensen. “Even a moment’s distraction can have serious consequences. We ask all motorists to slow down, stay alert, and always yield to trains.”
Community impact
The accident has sparked conversation among local residents about the adequacy of crossing signage in rural areas. Some community members have called for additional safety measures, such as flashing lights or gates, at the Lenz Road crossing. County officials have indicated they will review the incident and consider upgrades if warranted.
Meanwhile, the driver’s condition remains stable, and family members have expressed gratitude for the swift actions of first responders. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety and respect for railroad right‑of‑way in Manitowoc County.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
