Driver killed in train collision

The victim in a semi/freight-train collision last week has been identified by the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department.

Bobby Abell, 77, of Quincy, Ill., was the driver of a southbound semi that collided with an eastbound freight train consisting of an engine and two rail cars.

The incident occurred Thursday evening at the railroad crossing on U.S. 131 in Mottville Township.

Abell died at the scene, where U.S. 131 was closed for almost 12 hours while the accident was investigated by the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department; a railway engineer sustained minor injuries in the collision.

Witnesses stated the railway arms and lights were working properly prior to the crash. Witnesses also indicated Abell’s semi did not appear to slow down prior to the collision.

An autopsy has been scheduled to determine if Abell suffered a medical condition prior to the crash.