KHQ Right Now - News and Weather for Spokane and North Idaho | One Person Dead After Train Hits Vehicle In Ephrata

EPHRATA, Wash. - One person is dead after a Burlington Northern train struck a vehicle in Ephrata Tuesday morning.   

The identity of the victim - a male in his 80s, according to the Grant Co. Sheriff's Office - is being withheld, pending notification of next of kin. 

The collision happened at 9:00 a.m. at the 3rd Ave. SW crossing, according to BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas, who said the train involved was a westbound BNSF intermodal train that originated in Chicago, came through Spokane, and was destined for Tacoma.

Melonas said the crossing was fully equipped with flashers, gates and bells.

There were no further details on the dynamics of the crash. There were no injuries to the BNSF crew, according to Melonas. BNSF has a crew on site inspecting the locomotive, which did not derail.     

The 3rd Ave. and Division Ave. railroad crossings, which were closed for more than two hours, re-opened at around 11:30 a.m. 

Washington State Patrol is investigating the fatal collision.   

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