By Andrew Soucie
SPD Patrol Sgt.
On February 16, 2024, at approximately 9:02 PM, Scottsbluff Officers responded to a report of a vehicle stuck on the railroad tracks near the 100 block of East Overland.
While Officers were responding, the vehicle was reported to have been struck by an oncoming train. Upon investigation, it was learned that 25-year-old Gering resident, Alyssia Monson, had become disoriented following her phone’s GPS, which she said had led her to the area of the railroad tracks behind 102 East Overland Drive and instructed her to turn around. Monson was driving a 2006 green Subaru Outback.
The green Subaru Outback attempted to turn around in the area and became stuck and hung up on the east bound BNSF railway track with an approaching eastbound train. Monson was the only occupant of the vehicle and had exited to find help prior to the vehicle being struck by the oncoming train. No injuries were reported.
The Subaru Outback received disabling damage and is believed to be totaled. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Due to the collision, the eastbound train was stopped pending the investigation and inspection of the train and rails. The crossings at Broadway, Ave B, West 20th Street, and Ave I were closed due to the stopped train for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Scottsbluff Police, Scottsbluff Fire, and BNSF employees all assisted in clearing the scene. At this time, no citations have been issued. An accident report has been completed.