State

Man dies after train collides with a semi truck he was driving at Kansas oil refinery

Wednesday update:

The Butler County sheriff’s Office identified the victim of the crash as Karel Munoz Rosales, 38, of Houston, Texas.

Initial story:

A man died after a train collided with a semi truck that was attempting to cross the tracks Tuesday at an oil refinery in El Dorado.

The identity of the man, who was driving the semi, was not released.

Deputies from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office responded at 9:59 a.m. to a report of a crash involving a semi truck and a train inside of HF Sinclair Refinery, located in the southern edge of El Dorado.

Investigators learned that the semi was pulling an empty flatbed trailer when it began crossing the railroad tracks, a news release from the sheriff’s office said.

At one point the semi stopped and tried to reverse, with the driver realizing there was not enough time to cross in front of the southbound train.

The man was unable to get off the tracks in time and the train collided into the semi on its passenger side. The man was thrown out of of the semi and died at the scene of the incident, the sheriff’s office said.

Neither the train nor semi were carrying hazardous chemicals or materials. The crash remains under investigation.

El Dorado is a city of 12,940 about 30 miles northeast of Wichita.

This story was originally published October 22, 2024 at 5:40 PM.

Eduardo Castillo
The Wichita Eagle
Eduardo covers crime and breaking news for The Wichita Eagle. His previous work experience includes stints at KWCH 12 Eyewitness News, the local CBS affiliate in Wichita, and as a marketing manager for a local real estate team. In addition to writing, Eduardo also enjoys still photography and cinematography. News tips? email at Edcastillo@wichitaeagle.com or call 316-268-6213.
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