Authorities have identified the man who was killed in a car-train crash in Council Bluffs. According to authorities, the driver — and only occupant — of the car was 33-year old Mark A. Roberson, the Second, of Council Bluffs. Police say Roberson was identified based on circumstantial evidence and DNA tests were being conducted to make a positive I.D.
Roberson’s Pontiac Grand Am collided with a train operated by Iowa Interstate Railroad on Union Pacific tracks at around 11:30 P.M. Monday. When police arrived, Roberson’s car was on fire and he was unresponsive. Train employees and police officers went through three fire extinguishers while trying to battle the flames and pull Roberson from the car, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The vehicle was soon engulfed in fire and Roberson died at the scene. The accident remains under investigation.