NEWTON — An Iowa driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries after authorities say his car was rear-ended at a railroad crossing, spun onto the tracks and was struck by a westbound locomotive northeast of Newton.
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened at about 4:44 PM on June 29, 2026, at the Highway T12 N railroad crossing near N 39th Ave E.
According to Sheriff Brad Shutts, Jasper County Communications received a 911 call reporting a car-versus-locomotive personal injury accident at the crossing.
Investigators said a 2016 Dodge Dart driven by George Makulu, 29, of Marshalltown, was stopped at the flashing light crossing while headed southbound. Moments before the locomotive entered the crossing, the Dodge was struck from behind by a 2007 GMC Sierra driven by Eric Ramos-Lucas, 24, also of Marshalltown.
The impact caused the Dodge Dart to spin 180 degrees and come to rest crossways on the railroad tracks, directly in the path of the oncoming train.
Authorities said the GMC Sierra cleared the crossing and came to rest on the west shoulder south of the tracks.
When the westbound locomotive struck the Dodge Dart, Makulu jumped from the vehicle while it was being pushed down the tracks. He suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to MercyOne Newton Medical Center.
The Dodge Dart came to rest against the locomotive about eight train-car lengths west of the Highway T12 N crossing, according to the sheriff’s office.
Ramos-Lucas was not injured and declined medical attention. He was charged with failing to stop in assured clear distance.
The crash caused a lengthy traffic disruption. The sheriff’s office said the locomotive was about 6,800 feet long, causing the crossings at Highway T12 N, Iris Avenue and Iowa Street to be blocked for a significant period of time.
The response was further delayed when a first responder vehicle trying to bring extrication tools to the scene became stuck and disabled on the tracks during removal of the Dodge Dart from the locomotive and railroad area.
Authorities said the locomotive was able to move at about 7:10 PM, allowing all three affected crossings to reopen to traffic.
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash. Agencies assisting included the Newton Fire Department, Newton Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Jasper County Emergency Management, Iowa Interstate Railroad and Barney’s Wrecker and Crane.
A charge is merely an accusation, and Ramos-Lucas is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
(TOP PHOTO of incident via sheriff’s office.)