Train, sand truck collide near Oxford

A train and a Johnson County tow truck filled with sand collided just after noon today on Chambers Avenue, just east of Oxford.

The truck was traveling northbound and was about halfway across the tracks when it was struck on the passenger side by a train from traveling westbound, according to State Patrol Trooper Mike McCormick.

The driver of the truck, Dustin Tippie, 29, of North Liberty, and passenger, Thomas Villhauer, 48, of Oxford, were brought to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics with non-life threatening injuries.

McCormick said there were no the railroad crossing that had flashing lights but no gates was functioning properly.

He said the train stopped about a forth mile after the collision occurred and the truck was pushed on its side, scattering sand and breaking down one of the lights.

A citation for failing to yield at a railroad crossing is pending against Tippie.

[mappress]