A 32-year-old Pawnee man was killed Thursday when his vehicle struck a commercial truck that had stopped at a railroad crossing on U.S. Highway 412 near 78th Street in Garfield County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The driver was identified as Dustin J. Laffoon, 32. Deputies said the crash remains under investigation.
How troopers described the wreck
Troopers said Laffoon's vehicle collided with the commercial vehicle while it was stopped on the railroad tracks, and the commercial vehicle's driver and a passenger were injured, according to News 9. Officials did not immediately release details about the extent of those injuries or whether crossing signals were active at the time.
Investigation underway
Garfield County deputies and Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers responded to the scene and are working to determine what led to the collision. Authorities said investigators were reconstructing the crash and interviewing witnesses as the probe continues.
Local safety context
Rural stretches of U.S. Highway 412 near Enid have seen multiple serious wrecks this year, underscoring the dangers of high-speed two-lane roads and rail crossings. In February, a 75-year-old Waukomis woman died after her car flipped in Garfield County, as reported by Hoodline, highlighting recent fatal crashes in the area.
Officials said they will release additional information as the investigation continues. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Garfield County deputies are leading the probe.
