A train in Tennessee obliterated a massive concrete beam when it ran straight through a semi-truck that was carrying the beam and was stuck on the tracks. Shockingly, only two train employees had minor injuries from the incident in what officials described as “a disastrous mess.”
A Norfolk Southern freight train collided with a semi–truck carrying a 134–foot concrete truss bridge beam on the tracks in Collegedale, Tennessee. The crash resulted in three locomotives and ten railroad cars derailing and two Norfolk Southern Train employees hospitalized with minor injuries. Fortunately, the truck driver was not injured.
According to the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department, the truck had been stopped at a red light waiting for the light to turn green when the crossing arms were activated. The truck tried to clear the tracks but could not do so in time.
Hamilton County officials called the scene a “disastrous mess.”
However, Jim Hall, former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board felt it could have been much worse when he told WTVC-TV, “Collegedale has dodged a huge bullet. That is a tragic accident that could have taken many lives.”
The cause of the accident is still currently under investigation by the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management.
This tragic accident has had a major impact on the Collegedale community and serves as a reminder of the importance of safety on the road and railroad tracks. It is extremely fortunate that no one was seriously injured or killed in this incident.
It is important to ensure that this type of incident does not happen again in the future. This includes following safety procedures and ensuring that crossing arms and red lights are always respected. People must also be aware of the dangers of railway crossings and be prepared to take appropriate action.
