Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports on April 22, 2022 at 9:33 p.m., Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received the report of a train hitting a car on Cartney Drive near Highway 99E, north of Harrisburg.
Deputies responded to the scene and learned a 1996 Pontiac Firebird, driven by Rodney Lundy, 65, of Springfield was stopped on the tracks when a freight train traveling north collided with the car. Witnesses described Lundy outside the stopped vehicle when the train crashed into the car. Lundy was pronounced deceased at the scene. At this time there is no sign of the car having mechanical problems and it appears Lundy purposely remained on the tracks.
Sheriff Duncan urges those that are suffering from depression to seek help. “If you are feeling suicidal you can call the hotline at 1-800-304-7468.”