PAUL, Otoe County, Neb., Oct. 14, 2026 — A Union Pacific train struck a semi-truck at a rural railroad crossing on Tuesday morning, October 13, injuring the truck's driver, according to the Otoe County Sheriff's Office.
The collision happened around 9:30 a.m. at a crossing on County Road 60 near Paul. Deputies and Nebraska City Fire and Rescue responded to the scene.
A preliminary investigation found the train struck a semi that was pulling an empty grain trailer, authorities said. The truck's driver, a 62-year-old man from Nebraska City, was taken to a hospital with injuries described as minor. No one aboard the train was hurt.
The sheriff's office said the investigation into the crash is continuing. No further details, including what led up to the collision, have been released.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
When Train and Truck Crossing Collisions Are Most Likely
Collisions between trains and large trucks usually cluster around commuting hours, when drivers are pushing to make delivery windows and may misjudge the time needed to clear a crossing. Midmorning and late-afternoon runs, like the one involved in this crash, put loaded or empty trailers moving through crossings at the same times rail traffic is heaviest on many rural lines.
Weather and light also play a role. Low sun angles at dawn and dusk can make it hard to see an oncoming train or read flashing signals, and fog or rain can mute both the sound and sight of an approaching train until it's close. Rural crossings without gates rely more heavily on a driver's judgment, which raises the stakes when visibility drops.
Fatigue is another factor tied to timing. Long-haul and local delivery drivers alike are more likely to be worn down later in a shift, and a few seconds of distraction or delay at a crossing can be the difference between clearing the tracks and not. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 76 percent of fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred on weekdays in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes crashes between trains and large trucks?
Most involve a truck failing to stop or clear a crossing in time, usually due to misjudging the train's speed, driver fatigue, limited visibility, or confusion about signals or gates at the crossing.
How can drivers share the road safely near rail crossings?
Drivers should always expect a train on any track, slow down well before a crossing, never try to beat a train across, and leave enough space so a stopped vehicle doesn't block the tracks in traffic.
Does driver fatigue play a role in truck crashes?
Yes. Long hours behind the wheel reduce reaction time and attention, which can be critical at crossings where a driver has only a few seconds to react to a signal or an approaching train.
What should I do after a crash involving a commercial truck or train?
Call 911, stay away from the tracks and any damaged vehicles, seek medical evaluation even for minor injuries, and cooperate with responding officers and investigators documenting the scene.
What to Do After a Train Crossing Crash in Paul, Nebraska
If you're involved in or witness a crash at a rail crossing, get a safe distance from the tracks first, since trains and emergency vehicles may still be approaching. Call 911 right away and wait for responders before attempting to move any vehicle.
Anyone involved should get checked by medical staff even if injuries seem minor at first, since shock and adrenaline can mask pain. It also helps to write down what you remember, including the time, weather, and whether crossing signals were working, while the details are still fresh. Cooperating fully with the sheriff's office or other investigating agency will support an accurate record of what happened.
