KCS says lights and gates were functioning at time of crash
One of the hardest working people that Jay Powell knows is Larry Arrington.
“He’s always been a hard worker,” the City of Newton parks and recreation director said about Arrington. “He’s probably one of the hardest workers I’ve worked with and he’s very talented as well.”
Arrington, who worked with the City of Newton for 27 years, died Sunday night after his vehicle was struck by a train at the Roy Mann Road crossing just east of town. He was 59.
Newton County Coroner Danny Shoemaker said the crash occurred at 10:07 p.m., and Arrington was pronounced dead at 11:20 p.m. with multiple blunt force traumas. Shoemaker said Arrington was driving southbound in a Chevrolet pickup.
Doniele Carlson, AVP Corporate Communications & Community Affairs with Kansas City Southern, said a KCS westbound intermodal train collided with the pickup truck at the Roy Mann Road grade crossing in Newton. That crossing is located about one-half mile northeast of the James H. Easom Field Airport. She said the train crew was not injured.
“The crossing has warning lights and gates, which were activated and came down as the train approached and were operating at the time of the collision,” Carlson said. “The incident is under investigation.”
Carlson said KCS is a supporter of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), a non-profit organization and nationally-recognized leader of rail safety education
“KCS also supports OLI’s national campaign, See Tracks Think Train and reminds motorists and pedestrians to always expect a train,” Carlson said.
Powell said Arrington still has family lives in the area, but he lost his mother last year. Powell said they were devastated to hear the news about Arrington.
“It’s just a sad, sad day for us,” Powell said. “We are all in shock.”
