Train Crashes into Truck with Concrete Beam near Southern Adventist University
20 December 2022 |
COLLEGEDALE, TENNESSEE – Three locomotives and ten train cars were derailed today at Apison Pike and University Drive near McKee Foods and Southern Adventist University. The Norfolk Southern train crashed into a flat bed vehicle that was carrying a 134-foot-long concrete bridge beam. The beam was ripped into numerous sections.
According to the Chattanoogan, “The driver of the tractor trailer was stopped on the railroad tracks waiting for the light to turn green on Tucker Road. During that time, Norfolk Southern Railroad activated its crossing arms. The tractor trailer was unsuccessful in clearing the railroad tracks and was hit by the train… Two Norfolk employees sustained minor injuries and were transported to local area hospitals by HCEMS.” The driver of the truck was not hurt.
NewsChannel9 did report, however, that diesel fuel and lube oil leaked from two of the locomotives, according to the Chattanooga Fire Department. There were no other hazardous materials involved.
Diesel absorbent booms and pads have been deployed and vacuum trucks are also being utilized to recover the estimated 1,000 gallons of spilled diesel into Wolftever Creek, according to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).
The railroad crossing at College Drive East and Apison Pike was closed most of the day for clean-up; however, it is back open as of 7 p.m. Tuesday, Collegedale Police Department says.