JASPER COUNTY, Iowa – A tragic accident occurred Tuesday afternoon when a train collided with a passenger vehicle on a rural railroad crossing. Iowa State Patrol officials confirmed that 43‑year‑old Carl J. Benskin of Laurel, Iowa, was killed when his 1998 Chevrolet Malibu was struck by a train near County Road T12 and North 39th Avenue.
Details of the collision
According to the patrol report, Benskin approached the crossing and did not come to a complete stop before the train arrived. Troopers who responded to the scene said the train was traveling at a normal speed for the line when it struck the vehicle. The impact was severe enough that emergency crews pronounced Benskin dead at the scene.
Investigation and safety reminders
The Iowa State Patrol is conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. While the investigation is ongoing, officials reminded drivers of the importance of obeying all railroad crossing signals, including stopping fully at stop signs or gates, looking both ways, and listening for approaching trains.
Railroad crossings are a common site of accidents across the state, and the Iowa Department of Transportation regularly urges motorists to treat every crossing with caution. “Every year, we see too many preventable tragedies at rail crossings,” said a spokesperson for the department. “Drivers must respect the warning devices and never assume a train is far enough away to cross safely.”
Community response
The Jasper County community expressed sorrow for Benskin’s family and friends. Local churches and civic groups have offered support, and a memorial service is being planned in Laurel. Residents are also calling for increased safety measures at rural crossings, including better signage and flashing lights.
County officials noted that while many crossings are equipped with gates and lights, some rural locations rely only on passive signs. “We are reviewing our inventory of crossings to identify any that may need upgraded warning devices,” said Jasper County Highway Engineer Mark Daniels. “Our goal is to reduce the risk of future accidents and keep our roadways safe for all travelers.”
What to do if you encounter a train crossing
- Always come to a complete stop at stop signs or gates.
- Look left, right, and left again before proceeding.
- Listen for the sound of an approaching train, even if you cannot see it.
- Never try to beat a train; trains cannot stop quickly.
- If a vehicle is stuck on the tracks, exit the vehicle immediately and move at least 30 feet away from the tracks.
The Iowa State Patrol encourages anyone who witnesses a crossing incident to call 911 immediately and provide as much detail as possible, including the train’s direction, the location of the crossing, and any injuries observed.
Final report pending
The investigation remains active, and the Iowa State Patrol will release a final report once all evidence, including witness statements and any available dash‑cam footage, has been reviewed. Authorities will also determine whether any additional safety actions are warranted at the T12 crossing.
Original reporting: KWQC TV6 Davenport (local) — read the source article.
