At approximately 3:05 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was notified a train from Union Pacific Railroad had struck a tractor-trailer that was blocking the railway on Willow Road at Track Road just east of Franklin Grove. 
      Responding deputies were informed that the driver of the tractor-trailer had possibly jumped out of the cab of the semi prior to being struck by the train. 

       Upon arrival, deputies met with the driver of the semi, who was identified as Carlos Rivera Rodriguez, age 35, of Mexico. Mr. Rodriguez is a driver for Olvera Freight, and he recently left Crest Foods with a load of Hamburger Helper products. 
      The tractor-trailer was heading south on Willow Road when it apparently became hung up at the crossing and was struck by the eastbound train. The snowy weather conditions appeared to be a factor as to how the tractor-trailer was stuck. 
     Mr. Rodriguez was transported to KSB Hospital by Franklin Grove Ambulance for evaluation of minor injuries.  Dabney Services was contacted for removal of the tractor-trailer and the product that was spread out across the scene. 
    It took several hours for personnel to clear the scene.