Car gets hit by train in Bent County, catches on fire

(BENT COUNTY, Colo.) — A car was hit by a train on Highway 50 in Bent County on Thursday, May 30, according to the Bent County Sherriff’s Office (BCSO).

According to BCSO , deputies responded to a report of a car on the railroad tracks on Highway 50, about four miles west of Las Animas. When deputies arrived, they helped the driver from the car, and BNSF Railway was notified of the car.

However, BCSO said the notification came too late for a train heading eastbound, which was unable to stop in time.

BCSO said the impact pushed the car to County Road 5.5, more than 1,000 feet down the tracks, before the train was able to come to a stop. The car immediately caught on fire, and the Las Animas Fire Department responded to put out the fire.

The driver was transported for injuries sustained in the original crash and not from the train collision.

BNSF arrived on scene with a tow truck, and the car was removed from the train tracks so crews could assess the track and train for damage.

Highway 50 was closed in both directions for about 30 minutes. The Colorado State Patrol is investigating.

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