Train Hits Tractor-Trailer Stuck On Tracks In Springdale Borough

SPRINGDALE BOROUGH (KDKA) –A tractor-trailer was hit by a train in Springdale Borough early Wednesday morning.

According to police, the collision happened around 4:20 a.m. at a crossing on Railroad Street .

First responders said that a car hauler got hung up on the crossing.

The truck became stuck as a fully-loaded Norfolk Southern coal train was bearing down on it.

The driver, who was lost, called 911 trying to warn them that he in fact was stuck on the tracks.

"It's a low-car carrier. It got hung up on the hump in the middle of the tracks, absolutely nothing he could do," Springdale Borough Fire Department Lt. Daniel Copeland said.

Allegheny County 911 radioed Springdale Police and they in turn flashed their lights at the train in an effort to slow down or notify the crew of trouble ahead.

It worked to a certain extent as the train's engineer slammed on the brakes to slow the locomotive down. However, it still hit the truck, which destroyed the trailer and caused some damage to the train's lead car's fuel tank.

The driver bailed out of the truck just before it got hit. He is believed to be okay, as is the train's crew.

Emergency officials are actually thankful in a way. Normally, tankers cross the tracks hauling toxic gases and chemicals to a refinery on the other side. This time, it was a empty car-hauler.

This isn't the first time this has happened at the crossing either.

Norfolk Southern is rerouting what traffic they can until the entire train and rails are inspected and cleared.

Springdale Police and Norfolk Southern are investigating what happened, but there is no indication of any charges against the truck driver, who declined comment.

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