On Dec. 9, at approximately 11:50 a.m., Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with Cherryvale City Fire and EMS, Cherryvale Rural Fire, and the Cherryvale Police Department, responded to a report of a tractor-trailer versus train injury accident. The incident occurred on U.S. Highway 169 at the railroad crossing just north of Cherryvale, Kansas.
Upon arrival, first responders located a 2004 Peterbilt tractor- trailer transporting a load of cattle. The vehicle, driven by 67-year-old Kenneth Wilkerson of El Dorado, Kansas, had collided with the 22nd railcar of a WATCO/SKOL train. Preliminary investigation indicates that the railroad crossing lights and safety arms were fully activated at the time of the collision, and that Wilkerson failed to stop.
Wilkerson sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a regional hospital for treatment. The Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the scene and is assisting the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation, which remains ongoing.
Several cattle were safely removed from the trailer and transported to their intended destination. Some animals did sustain significant injuries as a result of the crash.
Sheriff Ron Wade stated, “This is a clear reminder of the importance of remaining attentive when approaching railroad crossings. Thankfully, there was no loss of human life in this accident. I want to thank all of the first responders who responded to the scene, as well as the Kansas Highway Patrol for their assistance.”
