Poteau, Oklahoma, January 11, 2026
A serious collision occurred between a northbound train and a truck in Poteau, Oklahoma, resulting in critical injuries to both occupants of the vehicle. Emergency services responded promptly, with investigations underway to determine the cause of the incident. The driver and passenger, both from Poteau, were transported to hospitals, and the cause of the collision is being investigated by local authorities.
Poteau, Oklahoma
Train and Truck Collision in Poteau, Oklahoma
On January 10, 2026, at approximately 11:59 AM, a collision occurred between a northbound train and a red 1998 Chevrolet truck near the intersection of Coggins Road and North Broadway Street in Poteau, Oklahoma. The truck was occupied by two individuals from Poteau. The driver, Nathan McBride, was transported by LeFlore County EMS to a hospital in the Fort Smith area, with his condition reported as possibly critical at the time of transport. The passenger, Cara Newton, was airlifted to a hospital in the Tulsa area, with her condition reported as critical but stable. The train involved in the collision was operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad (CPKC). All railroad warning devices appeared to be functioning properly at the time of the collision. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Poteau Police Department, in coordination with CPKC Railroad Police. No further details are available at this time. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Response and Investigation
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Poteau Police Department, LeFlore County EMS, Poteau Fire Department, LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office, and Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Emergency responders remained on scene to assist and investigate the incident. The Poteau Police Department, in coordination with CPKC Railroad Police, is leading the investigation into the cause of the collision.
Background Information
Train and vehicle collisions at railroad crossings can result in serious injuries and fatalities. In Oklahoma, contributing factors in such incidents often include drivers failing to stop or yield at crossings. For instance, in 2018, 45.9% of vehicle drivers involved in train-related crashes failed to stop, and 18.9% failed to yield.
Weather Conditions
On the day of the incident, historical weather data for Poteau, Oklahoma, indicates temperatures ranging from a low of 0.0°C (32°F) to a high of 11.1°C (52°F). Specific weather conditions at the time of the collision are not detailed in the available sources.
Conclusion
The collision between the train and the truck in Poteau, Oklahoma, resulted in critical injuries to both occupants. Emergency services responded promptly, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in Poteau, Oklahoma, on January 10, 2026?
On January 10, 2026, at approximately 11:59 AM, a collision occurred between a northbound train and a red 1998 Chevrolet truck near the intersection of Coggins Road and North Broadway Street in Poteau, Oklahoma. The truck was occupied by two individuals from Poteau. The driver, Nathan McBride, was transported by LeFlore County EMS to a hospital in the Fort Smith area, with his condition reported as possibly critical at the time of transport. The passenger, Cara Newton, was airlifted to a hospital in the Tulsa area, with her condition reported as critical but stable. The train involved in the collision was operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad (CPKC). All railroad warning devices appeared to be functioning properly at the time of the collision. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Poteau Police Department, in coordination with CPKC Railroad Police. No further details are available at this time. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
What agencies responded to the scene?
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Poteau Police Department, LeFlore County EMS, Poteau Fire Department, LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office, and Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Emergency responders remained on scene to assist and investigate the incident. The Poteau Police Department, in coordination with CPKC Railroad Police, is leading the investigation into the cause of the collision.
What are the common causes of train and vehicle collisions at railroad crossings in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, contributing factors in such incidents often include drivers failing to stop or yield at crossings. For instance, in 2018, 45.9% of vehicle drivers involved in train-related crashes failed to stop, and 18.9% failed to yield.
What were the weather conditions at the time of the collision?
On the day of the incident, historical weather data for Poteau, Oklahoma, indicates temperatures ranging from a low of 0.0°C (32°F) to a high of 11.1°C (52°F). Specific weather conditions at the time of the collision are not detailed in the available sources.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Poteau Police Department, in coordination with CPKC Railroad Police. No further details are available at this time. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Poteau, Oklahoma |
| Date and Time | January 10, 2026, at approximately 11:59 AM |
| Involved Parties | Northbound train operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad (CPKC) and a red 1998 Chevrolet truck |
| Occupants of the Truck | Driver: Nathan McBride; Passenger: Cara Newton |
| Injuries | Driver transported to a hospital in Fort Smith, condition possibly critical; Passenger airlifted to a hospital in Tulsa, condition critical but stable |
| Investigation | Led by Poteau Police Department in coordination with CPKC Railroad Police; cause of collision under investigation |
| Weather Conditions | Temperatures ranging from a low of 0.0°C (32°F) to a high of 11.1°C (52°F); specific conditions at the time of the collision not detailed |
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