A train accident in eastern Iowa left one person dead and another seriously injured after an Iowa Interstate Railroad train collided with a semi-trailer truck at a rural crossing.

The accident occurred at a crossing between a state highway and the railroad line, in a rural area located about 113 kilometers east of Des Moines. According to the Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office, the truck was struck by the train in circumstances still under investigation.

Authorities confirmed that one of the people traveling in the cargo vehicle died at the scene, while the other was transported with serious injuries.

Derailment and damage to railway infrastructure

The crash had large-scale consequences beyond the initial impact. The train derailed 17 cars and two locomotives, causing a partial collapse of the railway line and damage described as “significant” by local authorities.

Images from the scene showed an accumulation of destroyed carriages and columns of smoke rising from the accident area. No spill of hazardous materials was reported.

The Iowa State Patrol confirmed there was no release of hazardous substances following the derailment. The investigation remains open to determine the causes of the accident and establish possible responsibilities, including the conditions of the railway crossing and visibility at the time of impact.