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DAYTON, Idaho — One person was killed Wednesday after a dump truck collided with the side of a freight train at a foggy crossing.
Wednesday, at 10:08 a.m., a train was derailed when a county dump truck heading eastbound on State Highway 36 struck the side of the train. Several cars were derailed and the tracks were damaged from the collision. The incident occurred just outside of Dayton.
"The truck (driver) was unable to see the train and ran right into the side of it, causing it to derail," said Idaho police Lt. Ismael Gonzales.
The driver of the dump truck, Heber Lewis, 56, of Preston, died at the scene.
According to Idaho State Police, the area was covered with thick fog at the time of the crash. This particular crossing does not have crossing arms, but police said the flashing lights at the crossing were functioning properly and drivers are required to slow down if visibility is poor.
A bystander said the fifteen or so derailed cars took down power poles. And another person, who witnessed the crash, said the brake lights of the truck never flashed, indicating the driver did not brake before crashing into the train.
The highway was blocked Wednesday while the investigation took place.
Contributing: Dave Cawley
