Kansas City, MO (May 13, 2025) – A railroad engineer sustained serious injuries Saturday night after being struck and pinned between a tanker car and a vehicle in a crash involving a Union Pacific train and a Ford Transit van in the East Bottoms district.
The collision occurred around 9:45 p.m. near 2700 Guinotte Ave, where a remote-controlled Union Pacific train was moving eastbound. According to the Kansas City Police Department, the engineer was standing on the rear platform of the train’s last tanker car when a southbound black Ford Transit van approached the railroad crossing at North Prospect.
Despite active flashing warning lights and lowered crossing arms, the driver of the van reportedly bypassed the signals and entered the tracks. The van was struck by the passing tanker car, causing it to spin roughly 90 degrees and violently slam into the train’s rear platform, where it pinned the engineer between the tanker and the side of the van.
Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene. The engineer was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries and was still listed in serious condition as of Sunday morning. Authorities confirmed that the van’s driver was not injured.
The crash remains under investigation by KCPD and Union Pacific officials. Police have not yet announced whether citations or charges will be filed in connection with the driver’s decision to ignore the active railroad signals.
We extend our support and hopes for a full recovery to the injured engineer and their family.
Train-Vehicle Collisions and Railroad Safety in Missouri
Crashes involving trains and road vehicles often lead to devastating outcomes due to the massive force and limited maneuverability of freight trains. Saturday night’s collision near Guinotte Ave in Kansas City exemplifies the life-threatening consequences that can result from ignoring active crossing signals.
In this incident, a Ford Transit van reportedly bypassed lowered railroad arms and warning lights, crossing into the path of an eastbound Union Pacific train. The resulting impact not only spun the van but pinned a railroad engineer standing on the rear tanker car—causing severe trauma. Unlike typical train crashes that involve vehicles alone, this event tragically endangered a railway employee performing his duties.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, most train collisions at crossings are preventable. Missouri law requires all drivers to stop and remain stopped when crossing signals are active. Failure to comply with these regulations is a significant public safety threat—not only to drivers but also to railroad personnel.
Kansas City’s East Bottoms area contains several industrial rail routes, many of which operate remote-controlled trains where engineers or conductors ride external platforms. These configurations add another layer of risk when drivers ignore crossing devices, as train operators may have limited protection during impact.
Local authorities and rail companies continue to urge the public to respect rail crossings and understand that attempting to beat a train—even one perceived as slow-moving—can have deadly consequences. Additionally, enhanced signage, public awareness campaigns, and law enforcement visibility remain critical tools for improving safety.
For victims and families affected by such incidents, the aftermath can be both physically and emotionally exhausting. From long-term injury treatment to legal clarity, timely and informed support is essential.
Railroad-related injuries often involve complex circumstances. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a crash involving a train, Local Accident Reports can connect you with trusted resources to support your recovery. Whether you need medical guidance, legal insight, or help understanding your options, contact Local Accident Reports today for compassionate, professional assistance.