Lignite Man Killed in Train Crash West of Flaxton

FLAXTON, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – A Lignite man was killed Wednesday night after his pickup collided with a moving train in Burke County.

The fatal crash happened around 9:15 p.m. on November 4, 2026, approximately five miles west of Flaxton.

According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the crash involved a Ram 3500 pickup and an eastbound train.

The pickup driver died at the scene. Authorities reported no injuries aboard the train.

Pickup Collides With Moving Train

Investigators said the Ram 3500 was traveling south along 82nd Avenue Northwest when it approached a railroad crossing.

At the crossing, the pickup collided with a train traveling east.

The impact proved fatal for the pickup driver, who was a resident of Lignite, North Dakota.

Authorities had not released the driver’s name in the initial report.

The Highway Patrol has not announced what caused the collision.

One detail investigators confirmed was the absence of crossing gates at the crash location.

According to the Highway Patrol, the intersection of 82nd Avenue Northwest and the railroad tracks did not have crossing bars.

The initial report did not specify what other warning signs or signals were installed at the crossing.

Investigators have not determined publicly whether the crossing’s design or warning equipment contributed to the crash.

Although the pickup driver died, authorities reported that nobody aboard the train was injured.

The initial report did not identify the railroad company operating the train.

Officials also did not release further information about damage to the train or the pickup.

The crash occurred in rural Burke County, west of Flaxton and near the community of Lignite.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol continues investigating the fatal collision.

Investigators have not publicly announced what led to the crash or whether additional findings will be released.

The investigation remains active as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.

More information may become available through the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Additional reporting is available from KFYR-TV.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.

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