Four Injured, One Critically, When Train Hits Car At Crossing

Sat., Dec. 19, 1998

From Staff

Four people were injured late Thursday when a train slammed into a car that was crossing the railroad tracks near Samuels, Idaho.

The collision shoved the car about 60 feet, leaving its 61-year-old driver trapped inside, the Idaho State Police said. The train was traveling near U.S. Highway 95, and struck the car when it crossed Samuels Road in Bonner County.

After firefighters cut Richard K. Cunningham of Shelton, Wash., out of his 1989 Buick LeSabre, he was taken to Bonner General Hospital in Sandpoint. He was later released.

Also injured were Virginia Cunningham, 59, of Shelton, and Heather and Holly Blackstead, both of Sandpoint. Cunningham was taken to Kootenai Medical Center and was listed in critical condition late Friday.

Holly and Heather Blackstead, 12 and 14, were treated and released at the scene.

Police said Richard Cunningham, who was westbound on Samuels Road, did not stop at the crossing.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.