Teen driver struck by train still in critical condition

COEUR d'ALENE — The driver involved in a vehicle-train collision on Thursday on the Rathdrum Prairie remained in critical condition at Kootenai Health on Tuesday.

Austin Wiseman, 18, Hayden, who competes on the Lake City High varsity track team, was the driver of a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV that collided with a Union Pacific train at Huetter Road.

The passenger, Brandie M. Zaring, 15, Coeur d’Alene, was earlier treated and released from the hospital.

As the westbound train approached the crossing, Wiseman, who was also traveling westbound, accelerated as he drove along a private service road parallel to the UP tracks, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.

Witnesses believed Wiseman appeared to attempt to beat the train as he approached Huetter. Once Wiseman reached Huetter, he then allegedly quickly turned southbound directly in front of the train without stopping at the posted crossing.