Published on January 4, 2026 7:10 pm
Last Updated on January 5, 2026 10:41 am
No injuries resulted when a freight train struck a farm tractor towing a disc Saturday in Dieterich.
The incident occurred at 12:28pm at the CN Railroad crossing at West Section Street. The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office identified the tractor driver as 17-year-old Owen Lynch of West Salem. The tractor was traveling eastbound on Section and stopped at the stop sign at South Main Street. Lynch proceeded through the intersection and began to cross the railroad tracks that also intersect at this location. The tractor stalled while crossing the tracks and couldn’t clear the crossing before a westbound train, consisting of 118 cars and a locomotive, attempted an emergency stop prior to impact, but was unable to stop before striking the tractor. Lynch was able to get out of the tractor and avoid the collision.
The sheriff’s office said the crossing was closed until 5:33pm to allow for railroad personnel to inspect the track and equipment. A local tow agency removed the tractor and disc from the tracks.
