An Amtrak train collided with an Amazon delivery truck Wednesday afternoon in Ixonia in Jefferson County. The crash happened a bit before 1:30 p.m. on River Valley Road. Train 8/28 — of the Empire Builder line — was en route from Seattle/Portland to Milwaukee and Chicago. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said a preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was heading northbound on River Valley Road when it tried to cross the tracks. The Amtrak train heading eastbound stuck the vehicle while it was crossing the tracks. WISN 12 News spoke with one passenger over the phone while they were stuck onboard for nearly four hours.”Everyone kind of jolted around but didn’t think much of it. Then, a few minutes later we kind of rolled to a stop,” said Dominique Bouavichith, who was heading to Chicago. “Shortly after, there was a smell. It smelt kind of like burning engine.” An announcement on board the train said the Amazon driver was alive, WISN 12 News has learned. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said the driver was taken to an area hospital as a precaution.There were no injuries to the 129 Amtrak passengers and 12 crew members, according to Amtrak. The train continued east to Chicago after the train and track were inspected. There have been similar crashes in that area, including a fatal crash in 2011.WISN 12 News also spoke to neighbors who live near the tracks. They believe the intersection, which does not have a crossing gate or lights, is dangerous.”When you go into the main part of Ixonia there are cross guards and the lights go on when there are trains going through.” said nearby resident Therese Milbrath.”So that would actually make it feel safer at least.”An Amazon spokesperson told WISN 12 News Wednesday night the company will work with Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office during the investigation.WISN 12 News asked Ixonia and railroad officials why there are no gates or lights at the railroad crossing. They did not provide an answer.
An Amtrak train collided with an Amazon delivery truck Wednesday afternoon in Ixonia in Jefferson County.
The crash happened a bit before 1:30 p.m. on River Valley Road.
Train 8/28 — of the Empire Builder line — was en route from Seattle/Portland to Milwaukee and Chicago.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said a preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was heading northbound on River Valley Road when it tried to cross the tracks.
The Amtrak train heading eastbound stuck the vehicle while it was crossing the tracks.
WISN 12 News spoke with one passenger over the phone while they were stuck onboard for nearly four hours.
“Everyone kind of jolted around but didn’t think much of it. Then, a few minutes later we kind of rolled to a stop,” said Dominique Bouavichith, who was heading to Chicago. “Shortly after, there was a smell. It smelt kind of like burning engine.”
An announcement on board the train said the Amazon driver was alive, WISN 12 News has learned. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said the driver was taken to an area hospital as a precaution.
There were no injuries to the 129 Amtrak passengers and 12 crew members, according to Amtrak.
The train continued east to Chicago after the train and track were inspected.
There have been similar crashes in that area, including a fatal crash in 2011.
WISN 12 News also spoke to neighbors who live near the tracks. They believe the intersection, which does not have a crossing gate or lights, is dangerous.
“When you go into the main part of Ixonia there are cross guards and the lights go on when there are trains going through.” said nearby resident Therese Milbrath.”So that would actually make it feel safer at least.”
An Amazon spokesperson told WISN 12 News Wednesday night the company will work with Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office during the investigation.
WISN 12 News asked Ixonia and railroad officials why there are no gates or lights at the railroad crossing. They did not provide an answer.