1 Injured in Truck Accident on North Peterson Road near Bennett, CO

Bennett, CO — January 15, 2025, one person was injured in a truck accident at about 3:30 p.m. on North Peterson Road.

Authorities said a semi-truck hauling a load of rocks hit a passing train near the Colorado Air and Space Port. The impact caused the truck to overturn and lose its trailer.

The Union Pacific train did not detail because of the collision, according to authorities. It was hauling wheat and organic fertilizer.

The truck driver, whose name has not been released at this time, suffered minor injuries in the crash, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any more information about the crash at this time.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

This collision between a semi-truck and a train highlights the importance of safety at rail crossings, particularly for commercial vehicles hauling heavy loads. Although the injuries were reportedly minor, the crash raises questions about how and why the semi-truck ended up in the train’s path, resulting in significant disruption and property damage.

The key issue is whether the truck driver took proper precautions before crossing the tracks. Did the driver fail to see the oncoming train, or did they misjudge the timing and speed of its approach? Investigators will likely review the truck’s engine control module (ECM) data and any available footage to determine whether the driver stopped and looked for the train as required.

The design and condition of the crossing are also critical factors. Was it equipped with active warning systems, such as gates or flashing lights, and were they functioning properly at the time of the crash? If the crossing relied on passive measures, like stop signs or yield signs, the effectiveness of those signals in preventing incidents should be assessed.

Another consideration is whether the truck’s load contributed to the crash. A semi-truck hauling rocks is significantly heavier than an unloaded vehicle, which increases stopping distances and makes sudden maneuvers more difficult. Investigators will need to determine whether the truck’s speed and braking were appropriate given the load it was carrying.

For the train, it’s important to confirm that its warning systems, such as horns and lights, were used correctly as it approached the crossing. While trains cannot stop quickly, rail operators have a responsibility to follow protocols designed to alert drivers of their presence.

This crash underscores the need for vigilance and caution at rail crossings, particularly for drivers of large commercial vehicles. A thorough investigation will help clarify whether the truck driver’s actions, the crossing’s design or other factors contributed to the collision. Understanding what went wrong is essential to preventing similar incidents in the future and ensuring safety for all who use these shared intersections.