VICTOR – A train crashed into a semi truck in Poweshiek County yesterday and was derailed, leaving one person dead and another seriously injured.

According to the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at around 12:37pm on June 3 in the 3900 block of Highway 21, approximately 3 miles west of Victor.

The train involved in the crash was an Iowa Interstate Railroad train. Authorities say that the semi truck was carrying a large John Deere tractor, which may have contributed to derailing the train. 

At this time, there is one confirmed fatality, and another person was life-flighted from the scene with serious injuries. Both individuals were occupants of the semi truck during the crash. Their identities are currently being withheld by authorities. There were people aboard the train, but any potential injuries they sustained were minor and did not require hospitalization.

The Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office is asking those in the area to avoid the scene while responders continue to work to manage the situation. There were approximately 2 power engines and 17 cars affected by the crash, and significant damage to the rails occurred. Highway 21 remains closed in both directions between County Road F29 and US Highway 6, and a detour is in operation. The status of the closure is being updated on 511ia.org.

The Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa County Sheriff’s Office, Victor Fire Department, Brooklyn Fire Department, Grinnell Fire Department, East Poweshiek Ambulance, Montezuma Ambulance, Poweshiek County Emergency Management, Iowa County Emergency Management, and the Iowa State Patrol all responded to the scene.