1 dead after train-vehicle crash near Chester

CHESTER — Railroad officials say a freight train struck a pickup truck at a crossing in northern Montana, killing the woman who was driving the truck.

According to the Liberty County coroner, 63-year-old Krystyna Cole was driving the truck. She and her husband farmed north of Chester.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe spokesman Gus Melonas said the accident happened around 3 p. m. Monday about five miles west of Chester. He said a train with three locomotives, 22 cars of general freight and 48 empty cars was traveling about 55 mph when it struck the pickup.

A spokesperson from the Liberty County Sheriff's Office said Cole was killed instantly.

Melonas said the train was whistling, and the crossing had a crossbuck sign as a warning.

The train was heading from Pasco, Wash., to Dilworth, Minn.

No fuel spills, derailments or other injuries were reported.