HAIGLER, Neb. — A mother and her young son were killed Monday evening after their vehicle was struck by a train near Haigler in extreme southwest Nebraska, authorities said.
According to the Dundy County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened around 7 p.m. Aug. 25 on a crossing near Old Highway 34 between mile markers 13 and 14, about six miles east of Haigler.
Investigators said a southbound car entered the railroad crossing from a private drive and was hit by an eastbound Burlington Northern train.
The driver, 44-year-old Rayetta Jene Buffington-Damon, and her 7-year-old son, Jaxson Buffington-Damon, were critically injured and taken to Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, where they were pronounced dead. Both had been wearing seat belts, officials said.
Emergency crews from Benkelman EMS and Fire, Haigler Fire Department, and the Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash.
The sheriff’s office extended its condolences to the family and friends of the victims.