No injuries when train hits truck in Stoddard County

Friday, November 4, 2011

DEXTER, Mo. -- No one was injured when a northbound Union Pacific train struck a 2008 Ford truck that pulled into its path at about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday near Dexter. The truck, driven by Curtis Plucker, of Murphysboro, Ill., was thrown off the tracks just east of Stoddard County Road 717, about a mile east of the U.S. 60/Highway 25 overpass. The flatbed trailer it was pulling was detached on impact. The trailer was carrying a 1,000-gallon water tank that was demolished in the wreck. Union Pacific officials, along with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Dexter police, were on the scene until the debris was cleared and rail traffic could resume. The crossing is marked by warning signs, but not gates. According to the patrol, Plucker was approaching the crossing when he noticed the northbound train approaching. He reportedly was attempting to stop when he was struck in the front passenger side.

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