Update: Man Killed in Car-Train Collision Identified

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Updated: 2:46 PM Nov 19, 2009 Update: Man Killed in Car-Train Collision Identified Lincoln, Nebraska Lincoln Police say the driver of a car, identified as Huy Nguyen of Lincoln, was killed after colliding with a train near West A and Southwest 6th Streets just before 6:00 a.m. Posted: 2:08 PM Nov 19, 2009 Reporter: 10/11 News Email Address: desk@1011now.com Lincoln Police News Release

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The Lincoln Police Department is investigating a car-train collision that occurred just before 6:00 a.m. Thursday.

Police say the railroad lights were activated and crossing arms down at SW 6th and West A Street as a northbound Amtrak train approached. Witnesses reported that a black Acura slowly drove toward the tracks. The driver then chose to maneuver his vehicle around the crossing arms. The vehicle was immediately struck by the on-coming train.

The driver, a 42-year-old old Lincoln man, Huy Nguyen, was ejected from the vehicle and found deceased. Emergency responders searched the area. It is believed that Huy was the only occupant of the vehicle. No injuries were reported among passengers aboard the train.

Police say Huy was en route to work at Lester Electric, 625 West A Street, when the accident occurred. Family members and co-workers have been notified of the death.

The train engineer reportedly told police he was slowing down for a curve and believes they were traveling about 50 mph.

Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari in Chicago says the California Zephyr is headed for Chicago.

He says there were 136 passengers booked aboard with about a dozen crew members. The train has two locomotives and nine cars.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Jeannine Location: Lincoln on Nov 23, 2009 at 07:21 AM

Great idea, Kevin. Humans, by nature, are going to try to go around the arms if there is a way they can get through. The theory that 'it could never happen to me.' Making them long enough to completely block traffic from entering the track is smart and could prevent accidents like this.

Posted by: Kevin Location: Lincoln on Nov 21, 2009 at 10:17 AM

This is a horrible, preventable tragedy that occurs way to often! Please consider this idea. Why not make the crossing arms longer or have 2 of them on each side of the tracks so that they close together like a gate on both sides. That would prevent anybody from getting through until they are raised again. I know that would cost some extra money, but isn't saving even one life from being lost worth the extra expense? This kind of wreck is completely preventable! If people are not going to pay any attention to the warning devices, then let's make it impossible to get through the crossing while the arms are down! Just an idea.

Posted by: Rod Stroker on Nov 19, 2009 at 10:24 PM

He was only two blocks from work and couldn't wait two more minutes for the train to go past? The tracks run right behind his workplace, so he had to know how quickly they go through this crossing.

Posted by: tl Location: lincoln on Nov 19, 2009 at 09:03 PM

this is so sad to see/hear...don't this happen almost every year in this area? I think there was an accident at this area last year too....why can official do something about it? I am sure it's all his fault, but don't you all feel that when it come to our job, we have to be there on time. I hope Lincoln can do something about this area to prevent this happen to another person.

Posted by: Jerry L Kreps Location: Lincoln, NE on Nov 19, 2009 at 06:15 PM

This afternoon my wife and I were setting in the turn lane at a green light, at 14th and Superior, waiting for the on-coming traffic to get by when the light turned yellow. A car and a truck, one in each lane, sped up to make the yellow but instead they ended up running the red light and the truck nearly hit us. Before I retired I saw drivers running the Red light at 9th and Q streets nearly every morning. Running Red lights is becoming a road game to some. So is speeding. I am frequently honked at and cursed because I drive the speed limit. The number of scoff-laws in Lincoln has risen exponentially in the last few years.

Posted by: TK Location: Lincoln on Nov 19, 2009 at 03:30 PM

Just another example of people not heeding the warning devices and many people think that putting them in saves lives....they will if you obey the law. I would hope that LPD would do some enforcement at D street if that is a problem. Too bad for the family and the train crew. They never forget these tragedies and there is nothing they could have done to prevent it.

Posted by: LJK Location: Lincoln NE on Nov 19, 2009 at 02:26 PM

That last video (More Car/Train Collision Video) explains why the car was a mangled wreck. The flat front of the AMTRACK engine pushed the car along the track until it hit the bridge railing. The car was shredded like paper confetti. I doubt the driver was still alive at that point, since the impact of a train going 50 mph and hitting a small compact car would kill anybody instantly. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragedy.

Posted by: Sharon Location: Lincoln on Nov 19, 2009 at 02:20 PM

Just like LJ my father worked for the railroad for over 40 years and we were raised to understand the train is dangerous. It cannot stop for you. It will not stop for you and you NEVER go around the arms. Just like LJ my Dad said the very same words. I bet your Dad knows my Dad! Drivers need to stop for Stop signs and Red lights and wait for trains.

Posted by: LS Location: Lincoln on Nov 19, 2009 at 11:52 AM

Whenever I am driving I always remember something someone told me when I was learning to drive 20 years ago..."It is better to lose one minute of your life, than your life in one minute." My thoughts are with everyone involved in this tragedy.

Posted by: LJ on Nov 19, 2009 at 11:13 AM

My father was also a Engineer & always warned me not to go around the crossing arms of a train.I was warned if I ever tried to beat a train,that the train better kill me or he would.That coming from him was his stern warning on the dangers.Those crossing arms are down for a reason.My heart goes out to the victims family & also to the crew members running the train,It affects them as well forever.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2009 at 10:55 AM

Yes, they sound their horns, and yes, the arms at that crossing come down in plenty of time (but that does no good if you drive around them). Yes, they have a really bright headlight on the locomotive, and yes, visibility at that crossing is excellent. Again, all this is no to avail if you drive around the crossing arms.

Posted by: neighbor on Nov 19, 2009 at 08:42 AM

I live in the neighbor hood. People are always speeding around the arms on D Street. It is sad because if they just wait a few minutes or go around. They also are almost hitting kids in the neighborhood while they race the train. Think people, this is very dangerous. Prayers for the mans family and friends!

Posted by: KB Location: Lincoln on Nov 19, 2009 at 08:30 AM

This is so tragic. Do passenger trains sound thier horns like the coal trains do? Are they under the same guidelines?

Posted by: Daughter of retired railroader Location: lincoln on Nov 19, 2009 at 08:29 AM

My father worked the rails for over 30 yrs. Instead of bedtime stories, he would tell us of the horrific accidents that could have been avoided. The reason for the crossing arms is to prevent such tragedies, not to be an inconvenience for us to go around. Even now as an adult, I purposely stop at ALL tracks whether the arms are done or not. Malfunctions can happen, but stopping and looking is the best way to be safe. My condolences to the family of this person.

Posted by: Passenger on Nov 19, 2009 at 07:33 AM

I am a passenger on the train looking directly down on top of the accident. I'm not sure why the car was hit, but from what I can see the police were only able to find one passenger. The man is lying several feet from the car with a blanket over him. That's the only fatality that I am able to see.

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