Visibility at Neb. rail crossing questioned

Associated Press - July 28, 2009 10:25 AM ET

YORK, Neb. (AP) - A York County sheriff's deputy and the father of a car driver killed by a passing train disagree about visibility at the crossing where the accident occurred.

Mike Arkel says he went to the crossing Monday. He says the high corn and weeds and bright sun obscured his view along the tracks.

But sheriff's deputy Wayne Crome says the corn wasn't that high and the crossing markings were clear.

Crome says Arkel's son, 20-year-old Michael Cole of Gresham, tried to stop Sunday morning when he saw the train.

It smashed into the car's side, killing Cole and 2 of his cousins: 20-year-old Thomas and 18-year-old Chelsea Ihde of Gresham, who were brother and sister.

Another passenger, 16-year-old Shane Jones of York, is being treated at a Lincoln hospital.

Information from: Lincoln Journal Star, http://www.journalstar.com