Train Strikes Pickup Truck Injuring Two People

ROSEPINE, LA – Two people were sent to the hospital this afternoon after a pickup truck was struck by a train north of Rosepine in Vernon Parish.

On September 10, 2015, shortly after noon, Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a crash involving a train and pickup truck. The preliminary investigation revealed a 2007 Honda Ridgeline driven by 20-year-old Juan Carlos Alonzo of Leesville was traveling west on Calhoun Dairy Road when Alonzo failed to yield the right of way to a southbound KCS train. The train struck the rear portion of the pickup truck on the passenger side.

A passenger in the vehicle, 20-year-old Justice Mariah Aguilera-Hollis of Leesville, was transported to Rapides Regional Hospital with moderate injuries. Alonzo was transported from the scene with minor injuries. Both occupants were wearing seat belts. No one on the train was injured.

The crossing was equipped with railroad crossing cross buck signs and stop signs. Witnesses report the train’s horn was heard repeatedly prior to the crash. Alonzo was cited for failure to yield to a train. The crash remains under investigation.