Train Hits Car Stuck On Tracks

A Coeur d’Alene man was cited for inattentive driving after he turned onto a set of railroad tracks, got stuck and had a train smash into his car.

Antonio Garcia, 34, and his passenger, Charlene Dania, were not injured in the Thursday night accident.

Authorities said Garcia pulled off U.S. Highway 95 onto Huckleberry Road near Cocolalla. Garcia stopped at a stop sign, then turned onto the railroad tracks after mistaking them for a road.

Garcia told Bonner County sheriff’s deputies he tried to move the car, but couldn’t. As a northbound train approached, Garcia turned on his flashers to try and warn the engineer.

It didn’t work, so Garcia and his passenger jumped away from the car, said Lt. Doug Harris.

The Burlington Northern train was traveling about 60 mph when it struck the car, pushing it 200 yards down the tracks and into a ditch. The accident is still under investigation.