Lamar Man Driver of Semi in Train-Truck Crash in Campo

On Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at approximately 08:30 hours, an accident occurred on Highway 287 at milepost 9.8 just north of Campo, in Baca County Colorado.  

A white 2000 Kenworth tractor pulling a flatbed style trailer, driven by Ernest Ray Hicks of Lamar, Colorado was traveling northbound on Highway 287. Witnesses stated that the Kenworth tractor trailer was approaching the railroad intersection and began to skid to a stop. The Kenworth came to a stop on the railroad tracks and failed to maneuver the truck off the tracks.  

A southwest bound Burlington Northern Santa Fe train collided with the Kenworth tractor trailer. The flatbed trailer collided with a nearby guardrail near the railroad intersection. The train continued to travel southwest, pushing the tractor trailer for approximately 1360 feet before coming to final rest.  

The driver of the Kenworth tractor trailer was transported to Southeast Colorado Hospital where he was then flown via flight for life to Colorado University of Aurora Burn Center for 2^nd and 3^rd degree burns.  

The engineer and conductor of the BNSF train sustained no injuries.  

According to an update from KKTV, the truck was fully engulfed in flames as it was being pushed down the track by the train.  It’s believed that Hicks was able to climb out of his truck by way of a window after the semi came to a complete halt.  A majority of the Campo Fire Department, about 20 volunteers responded to the morning emergency, including Campo Mayor Ray Johnson.