Drunk gets hit by train, doesn't notice

[Lilac]

A second train collision occurred in Ames this morning, but according to police, the victim didn't know she'd been involved until they told her.

Monica Marker, 42, of Blanshan Drive, was charged at 1:40 a.m. today with operating while intoxicated, first offense, leaving the scene of an accident and disobeying railroad crossing arms.

Police say witnesses reported Marker, driving a van, drove past the first set of railroad crossing arms on Kellogg Avenue and stopped at the second set, on the tracks. The rear of her vehicle was struck by a Union Pacific train.

The impact spun the van and cleared it from the crossing gate. Marker then reportedly continued on her way. The rear of the vehicle was so badly damaged that a witnesses said it was shooting sparks as it drove.

Marker was pulled over following the accident on South Duff Avenue near Airport Road. Police say there was a strong odor of alcohol coming from inside the car, and she apparently did not realize what had occurred.

A police report notes that the damage to the van was consistent with being struck by a train.

The accident marks the second train collision within a week in Ames. The prior accident involved a man walking on the train tracks. He was killed in the collision.

[Llianna]

That's dangerous!! How could you not notice something like that....?