Story Update (3/19/26 at 9:30 am)
Authorities have identified the victim in a fatal train versus pickup crash near Lester.
The Iowa State Patrol says 39-year-old Kyle Madetzke of Baltic, South Dakota, was killed in the crash Tuesday afternoon around 12:30 on 110th Street northwest of Lester.
Officials say Madetzke was driving westbound when he failed to yield at a railroad crossing.
A southbound BNSF train struck the pickup on the passenger side.
The vehicle flipped onto its top and caught fire.
Madetzke was pronounced dead at the scene. No train crew members were injured.
The report also indicates he was not wearing a seatbelt.
The crash remains under investigation.
The update to the original story is courtesy of KIWA Radio
Orginal Story
Authorities are investigating a fatal crash involving a pickup and a train in Lyon County.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the accident happened on Tuesday, March 17th, at around 12:33 p.m. on 110th Street west of Dogwood Avenue.
Officials say a 2026 Ford F-350 was traveling westbound on 110th Street when it failed to yield at a railroad crossing. At that time, a southbound BNSF train struck the pickup.
The report states the pickup rolled over after the collision and caught fire.
The driver of the truck was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say the victim’s identity is still pending notification.
The report also indicates the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.
The crash remains under investigation.
Responding agencies included the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Lyon County Secondary Roads, Trackside Towing, and BNSF Railway.
