On January 10, 2026, at approximately 1159 hours, the Poteau Police Department along with LeFlore County EMS, Poteau Fire Department, LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office and Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded to a collision involving a train and a passenger vehicle at the railroad crossing near 290th Avenue and U.S. Highway 59 (North Broadway).
The vehicle involved was a red 1998 Chevrolet occupied by two individuals from Poteau. The driver, identified as Nathan McBride, was transported by LeFlore County EMS to a hospital in the Fort Smith area. His condition was reported as possibly critical at the time of transport.
The passenger, Cara Newton, was transported by medical helicopter to a hospital in the Tulsa area. Her condition was reported as critical but stable.
The train involved in the collision was operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad (CPKC).
All railroad warning devices appeared to be functioning properly at the time of the collision.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Poteau Police Department, in coordination with CPKC Railroad Police. No further details are available at this time.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Ethan Firestine 603
Assistant Chief of Police
Poteau Police Department
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