Train collides with pickup; no injuries reported

Arkansas State Troopers are pictured at the scene of a train-versus-vehicle collision in the Witherspoon community Friday, March 14. | arkadelphian.com/Joel Phelps

By JOEL PHELPS | arkadelphian.com

WITHERSPOON — Officials say there were no major injuries Friday afternoon when a locomotive collided with a Ford pickup truck on the Union Pacific railroad near the Clark and Hot Spring county line.

At about 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, first responders were dispatched to the railroad crossing at Countess Road in the Witherspoon community after a report of a train-versus-vehicle collision. An observation of the scene made it evident that the driver of the pickup was crossing the tracks eastbound when a northbound Union Pacific engine — reportedly traveling at low speed — slammed into the passenger side of the vehicle. The train carried the vehicle some 20 feet, or about the length of two vehicles, until both came to a final rest.

The train consisted of five connected engines. There were two service engines behind, but disconnected from, the locomotives involved in the accident.

Clark County Sheriff Jason Watson said there were no injuries in the crash. “It was a very low-speed impact,” the sheriff confirmed. By the time The Arkadelphian arrived at the scene, at 3:15 p.m., an ambulance was seen leaving with its lights on. Arkansas State Troopers were present, as well as volunteer firefighters and several UP personnel.

Train traffic on the UP line was at a halt Friday afternoon as the scene was cleared.