Train crashes into Semi Hauling Ice Cream in Le Mars


By [email protected] Updated on Wednesday, March 22 2017 03:49pm

About 11:00AM Wednesday, we were notified of a train crashing into a Semi hauling Ice Cream in Le Mars at the intersection of Business 75 and 18th Street Southwest.

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We were on scene about 11:50AM and brought you live video until about 1:15PM. Le Mars Fire, Le Mars Police, Union Pacific Railroad, and Stockton Towing were all on scene beginning the cleanup process. Here is what we learned.

Captain Tim Hop of the Le Mars Police Department told us that the rear of the trailer was hit by the train causing ice cream product to scatter over the road, ditch, and tracks. The train was able to stop about 500 feet down the rail. The truck, a Schuster Semi didn't appear to be damaged, but the trailer, all of its' product and the West Side crossing arms a total loss.

Law Enforcement estimates over $100,000 dollars in damage. They expect cleanup to take most of the day and the intersection to remain closed until the crossing arms are repaired. It wasn't known at the time if a citation would be issued but Captain Hop reminds everyone that it's unlawful to stop on the tracks at any time, even if there is no train. The truck was taken away around 12:30 and didn't appear to have much damage if any.

When we left Stockton Towing was using a bobcat to scoop up the Watermelon Jolly Rancher Containers, and Jamba Juice packages dumping it into a dumpster.

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The driver was taken to Floyd Valley Hospital to be checked out. Police say he had non-life-threatening injuries but did complain of having some pain. Witnesses tell us he was up walking around after the crash.