Fatal Arkansas Train Accident Prompts Hazard Rating Increase

The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department has increased the hazard rating for a train crossing after the recent deaths of a couple whose car was struck by a train.

ATHD Railroad Crossing Coordinator Steve Weston tells the Jonesboro Sun that the hazard rating at the railway crossing on Craighead County Road 398 has been changed from 4.2 to 8.4.

Investigators say Bill and Mary Rush of Walnut Ridge were killed at the crossing on July 11 by a northbound BNSF freight train. They were pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board continues.

The department is planning to meet with railroad and county officials at the site of the accident July 26 to weigh improvement options.