Two dead in Carl Junction train collision

Following an accident in Carl Junction involving a train, Jasper County Sheriff Randee Kaiser issued the follow press statement:

On November 5, 2023, at approximately 2:20 PM, Jasper County Deputies responded to the area of State Highway 171 and Pennell Street in Carl Junction, for a report of two individuals struck by a train.

The two males were identified as Dacoda Bittner, 24, of Webb City, and Terry Long, 39, of Oronogo. Initial investigative efforts found that Bittner’s truck had struck a concrete block near that the base of the railroad bridge. A witness stated Bittner and Long were on the railroad track bridge and that despite the sounding of the train horn, they failed to get off the bridge and were struck by the train. Evidence at the scene indicated that alcohol may have been a factor in the incident.

The investigation is still ongoing and more information may be updated when possible.