Truck Slams Into Train, Killing Driver Near Amboy

Accident closes Highway 136 for 18 hours as authorities investigate fatal collision.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 28-year-old truck driver was killed when his eastbound vehicle slammed into a moving Burlington Northern Santa Fe train near Amboy, Nebraska on Thursday morning. The collision derailed 10 railroad hopper cars and closed Highway 136 for around 18 hours as emergency crews responded to the scene.

Why it matters

This tragic accident highlights the dangers of rural railroad crossings, where limited visibility and high speeds can make it difficult for drivers to safely navigate trains. The incident has prompted calls from local residents for additional safety measures to be implemented at the crossing.

The details

Andrew Katzberg, 24, of Kenesaw was driving a triple-axle hay grinder truck eastbound on Highway 136 when he struck the side of a northbound BNSF freight train at the crossing. Authorities said they did not see any skid marks, suggesting Katzberg may have tried to take evasive action, but was unable to avoid the collision. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

  • The accident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • Highway 136 was closed for approximately 18 hours following the crash, reopening around 3 a.m. on Friday.

The players

Andrew Katzberg

A 24-year-old truck driver from Kenesaw, Nebraska who was killed when his vehicle struck a moving train at a rural crossing.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF)

The freight railroad company whose northbound train was involved in the fatal collision with Katzberg's truck.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't see any skid marks, but we praise the truck driver for taking defensive action that may have saved the lives of other motorists stopped and waiting for the train to clear the crossing.”

— Webster County Residents (Superior Express)

What’s next

Local officials plan to meet with railroad and highway authorities to discuss potential safety improvements at the crossing, such as adding additional warning signals further back on the western approach.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the need for enhanced safety measures at rural railroad crossings, where limited visibility and high speeds can create dangerous conditions for drivers. The community is calling for action to prevent future such incidents and protect public safety.