Jasper County officials confirmed that a tragic traffic accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the Iowa Interstate Railroad crossing located at the intersection of Highway T‑12 N and North 39th Avenue E, northeast of Newton. The collision involved a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Carl Benskin, a 43‑year‑old resident of rural Laurel.
Details of the crash
According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the crash was reported at approximately 1:40 p.m. Witnesses said the vehicle struck the oncoming locomotive and was violently ejected from the car. Benskin was pinned beneath the wreckage of his Malibu. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The locomotive operator escaped injury.
Investigation and response
The Iowa State Patrol has taken the lead on the investigation, working alongside local law‑enforcement agencies to determine the cause of the collision. Preliminary reports have not indicated any mechanical failure with the train, and officials are reviewing whether the crossing signals were functioning properly at the time of the incident.
Road crews cleared the site and reopened the crossing to traffic at roughly 4:20 p.m., allowing commuters to resume their normal routes. The sheriff’s office reminded drivers to exercise caution at railroad crossings, especially in rural areas where visibility can be limited.
Community impact
The loss of a community member has resonated deeply in the Laurel and broader Jasper County area. Local churches and civic groups have begun organizing support for Benskin’s family, offering meals, prayers, and assistance with funeral arrangements. Residents are urged to reach out to local charities if they wish to contribute.
Safety reminders
Officials continue to stress the importance of adhering to crossing signals, stopping well before the tracks, and looking both ways before proceeding. The Iowa Department of Transportation encourages drivers to report any malfunctioning crossing gates or lights to the state patrol immediately.
While this tragic event underscores the inherent dangers of rail‑road intersections, the swift response by emergency personnel and the rapid reopening of the crossing demonstrate the dedication of Jasper County’s public‑safety teams to protect their community.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
