Idaho man killed when dump truck collides with train

DAYTON, Idaho — Police say foggy conditions may have played a role in the collision between a dump truck and a train Wednesday morning, killing the truck's driver and triggering a major derailment.

Heber Lewis, 56, of Preston, Idaho, succumbed to injuries at the scene after the Franklin County dump truck he was driving crashed into the side of a train that was already passing through the crossing at state Route 36.

The crossing is located east of Dayton, about 10 miles from the Utah border. There are no crossing arms at the site, but flashing red hazard lights were functioning at the time of the crash, which occurred just after 10 a.m., police said.

Idaho State Police Sgt. Mike Winas said state Route 36 is expected to remain completely blocked for a day or two.

No one on the train was injured, Winas said. The dump truck hit the eighth car on the train, forcing the trailing cars off the rail.

Police are unsure why Lewis didn't stop, Winas said.

— McKenzie Romero

Twitter: @McKenzieRomero