CONTRIBUTED PHOTO — A vehicle was struck by a train along Marshalltown Boulevard west of Marshalltown early Friday morning.

On Friday morning at around 3:30 a.m., the Marshall County Communications Center received a call from representatives of the Union Pacific Railroad that the operator of a passing train noticed a vehicle in a remote area along the railroad tracks near the 2200 mile of Marshalltown Boulevard west of Marshalltown.

As deputies were responding, UP called a second time and reported that a second train struck the vehicle at 3:48 a.m. When deputies arrived on scene, an unoccupied silver 2017 Chevrolet Traverse was located. During an initial search of the area, it was determined the occupants had left the area on foot with no indication of injuries to the driver or possible occupants.

As the investigation continued, it was originally reported that the vehicle was stolen from a residence in State Center late Thursday evening or early Friday morning. During a follow-up interview late Friday afternoon, however, Marshall County Sheriff Joel Phillips said the vehicle was not actually stolen, and State Center Police Chief Jon Thomas had located the registered owner.

According to Phillips, the vehicle got stuck on the tracks, and the driver then fled the area. The driver has been cooperative with authorities thus far, and no criminal charges have been filed. Phillips speculated that impairment may have played a role in the events that transpired, and he added that no injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.

The railroad has resumed operations on one track, and full operations are expected once the vehicle is removed from the railroad right-of-way.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office at 641-754-6380, the State Center Police Department 641-483-2107 or the Marshall County Communications Center 641-754-5725.

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Marshalltown Police Department, Union Pacific Railroad, UnityPoint Health Ambulance Service, State Center Fire Department, Haverhill Fire Department and Liscomb, Albion, Melbourne and Rhodes first responders.