Pickup Truck Collides With Canadian National Train Near Rapid River

A pickup truck collided with a Canadian National Railway train near Rapid River in Delta County, Michigan, USA, on Thursday afternoon (15 January 2026), leaving one person injured and prompting a road-rail safety review by local authorities, according to official reports. 

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The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on U.S. Route 2, where a quiet road intersects with CN train tracks at U.65 Lane between the Whitefish River and Whitefish Hill RV Park.

According to Deputy Josh Simmons of the Delta County Sheriff’s Office, the collision happened when the pickup truck failed to stop at a stop sign at the railway crossing and was struck by the approaching train. 

The truck was carrying a woman driver, a male passenger, and two dogs at the time of the crash.

The driver sustained minor injuries and was transported by Rampart Emergency Medical Services to OSF St. Francis Hospital. No other injuries were reported. 

Local emergency responders, including volunteers from the Masonville Fire Department and personnel from the Michigan State Police, quickly arrived at the scene to secure the area.

The train was moved down the tracks to clear the roadway, while the severely damaged pickup truck was later removed by Pro Towing. 

Authorities said the train itself sustained little to no damage and continued its route after the initial emergency response efforts. 

Collisions between road vehicles and trains, even when non-fatal, highlight enduring dangers at railway crossings, especially those without active barriers or signals. Safety analysts stress that:

• Drivers must always obey stop signs and warning signals at crossings.
• Stopping, looking, and listening before crossing train tracks can prevent most vehicle-train collisions.
• Visibility issues or misjudging train speeds are common factors in these types of crashes.

Fatal and non-fatal train collisions, such as those involving freight and passenger trains in other jurisdictions, often lead to severe injuries and extended disruption of both rail and road traffic when crossings are not properly respected. 

Although the collision did not result in major injuries or fatalities, it underscores a broader safety issue for communities located near level crossings where high-speed railways intersect roadways.

Local officials often advise motorists to avoid crossing until assured clear track conditions, a message authorities say is especially important in rural areas with limited crossing controls.