Train and Semi Collide in Kansas

A semi-tractor hauling a dump trailer collided with a Union Pacific train Monday afternoon in North Topeka, and one person was transported to a local hospital.

The accident was reported about 1:50 p.m. just south of the Kansas River near 2450 N.W. Water Works Drive.

One person, the driver of the tractor, was loaded into an American Medical Response ambulance at the scene about 2:06 p.m. and taken to a local hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol’s crash log identified the injured tractor driver as 64-year-old Gregory Sleep, of Topeka. The log indicated Sleep was wearing a seat belt.

The train’s conductor, Timothy King, 43, of Council Grove, wasn’t injured.

Kansas Highway Patrol Lt. Dennis Shoemaker said on the scene that the vehicle stopped at the stop sign but didn’t hear the train’s whistle. The tractor was driving north into a private lot while the train was headed east on the railroad track.

Shoemaker also said the driver of the tractor was “coherent and talking” following the crash. The vehicle ended up across the tracks facing east. The train’s cars were separated so that paramedics could get through to the driver of the tractor, Shoemaker said.

Initial reports indicated the train to be moving about 70 mph, but authorities on scene couldn’t say how fast the train was going.

The crash happened just north of Interstate 70 at the N.W. MacVicar exit, near Concrete Supply of Topeka Inc.

Kansas Highway Patrol troopers investigated the incident and the Topeka Police Department assisted.