The Colorado State Patrol is currently investigating a car versus train crash resulting in injuries, which occurred at approximately 3 p.m. Friday (Aug. 28) at a railroad grade crossing at 212 South Park St. in Manzanola.
A 1997 Pontiac Grand Am, driven by Dustin Karle, 33, of Manzanola, was southbound on Park St., attempting to cross the rail grade at 212 South Park St, when he failed to yield the right of way at a gated railroad crossing and was struck by a 1998 BNSF train operated by Terrence Sandoval, 31, of Trinidad.
The Ponitac Grand Am was struck on its right rear side by the front of the BNSF train in the middle of the crossing. After the impact, the BNSF train continued eastbound on the railroad tracks and the Pontiac rotated clockwise off the south side of the tracks before coming to rest on its wheels just south of the railroad tracks facing south. Karle, the sole occupant, was transported to AVRMC in La Junta . The BNSF train continued eastbound to a controlled stop approximately 1/4 of a mile east of 212 Park St. facing east.
The Pontiac was equipped with an inflatable device, which did deploy and seat belts were not in use at the time.
