BY LEANN DILBECK –
Claude Franks, age 75, of Cove was driving his 2005 Chevy pickup west across the railroad crossing on Barton street when the Union Pacific train struck him on the driver’s side. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Polk County Coroner Brian Bowser.
The Arkansas Fatal Crash Summary filed by Arkansas State Trooper Mike Thomas said the train engineer was Terry Stites of Howe, Okla. and was not injured in the accident.
Franks’ truck was drug almost a half mile before coming to rest just before the intersection at Mill Road.
Residents in the area said the Barton Street crossing is appropriately marked and does have a bell but no cross arms.
Franks has been entrusted to the care of Beasley Wood Funeral Home who will announce funeral arrangements at a later date.
Franks’ death marks Polk County’s third vehicular fatality in February.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.


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