NTSB to investigate BNSF conductor fatality (updated)
COLUMBUS, Mont. — The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the death of a BNSF conductor struck by a train on Sunday (Oct. 19, 2025), the agency has announced.
The fatality occurred about 9:40 a.m. in Columbus, KTVQ-TV reports. BNSF and Columbus police, as well as the Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office, were also investigating the incident.
The accident led to an hours-long road closure because of blocked grade crossings before the train involved was able to move about 2:30 p.m., the station reports.
The Associated Press subsequently reported that the victim has been identified as 52-year-old Daniel Peterson of Billings, Mont. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen said in an Oct. 24 post on its website that Peterson had joined the Montana Rail Link as an engineer on April 1, 2013, after previously working at the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern. He is survived by his wife, two brothers, and two sisters.
“The railroad industry remains one of the most demanding and dangerous professions in our nation,” Mark Wallace, national president of the BLET, said in a statement. “… Brother Daniel Peterson’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of those dangers. The Brotherhood extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and coworkers, and reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that every railroader returns home safely.”
Columbus is about 40 miles west of Billings on BNSF’s MRL Subdivision, the former Montana Rail Link.
— Updated Oct. 22 with news report identifying accident victim; updated Oct. 25 at 7:39 p.m. with additional information from the BLET.