Poplar Bluff man dies in train accident

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A 61-year-old Poplar Bluff man was killed when his 1994 pickup truck and a northbound Union Pacific train collided Saturday afternoon where Butler County Road 314 crosses the Union Pacific railroad tracks.

Arnold William Jones Sr. was killed in the accident, said Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Dale Moreland.

Jones's name was withheld until Saturday night, by which time immediate family was notified, said Butler County Coroner Jim Akers. He said his office worked with the American Red Cross to notify family serving with the U.S. armed forces and arrangements could be made for them to return home.

The investigation is being conducted by Akers's office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Union Pacific Railroad.

Deputy coroner Brien Fugate responded to the scene and confirmed the victim died at about 3:15 p.m.

Jones died at the scene, Akers said, adding "we believe the victim was westbound, but we are not certain. We are going to be talking with an eyewitness."

Akers said he's been in contact with retired coroner Larry Cotrell to discuss protocol for investigating a train-vehicle collision. Akers said an inquest is held in each death, but he is looking into whether an inquest with a coroner's jury is needed in this case.