(Lincoln County Sheriff) On June 15th, 2012 at 3:46 pm, Deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office were asked to respond to a private railroad crossing near mile marker 151 on U.S. Highway 30. It was reported a large farm tractor was struck by a Union Pacific train. The private crossing is very near the Lincoln / Keith County Line, just south of Highway 30. 
Deputies along with Sutherland Rescue responded to the scene and located the 24 year old male driver of the tractor Justin Christner of Sutherland, NE. Mr. Christner was injured but alert; he was transported to Great Plains Regional Medical Center for treatment. Mr. Christner was reported to have multiple injuries but in stable condition. The train crew reported they were not injured as a result of the accident.
Preliminary investigation revealed the tractor Mr. Christner was driving a Case 225CVT was stopped waiting for a westbound train to pass. After the westbound train passed, Mr. Christner drove the tractor south across the tracks. Mr. Christner apparently could not see an approaching eastbound train, as the westbound train obstructed his view. The eastbound train was on the south track and upon contact, pushed the tractor off the train tracks.
Train traffic was not completely shut down and Union Pacific Special Agents responded to assist in the investigation. Further investigation will follow.