Train Splits Tractor-Trailer Near Pittsburgh
A train tore a tractor-trailer in two at a railroad crossing in a town northeast of Pittsburgh this morning; but amazingly, no one was injured in the accident.
The crash happened around 9a.m. EDT in O’Hara Township and the impact literally ripped the trailer from its cab, reports CBS station KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh.
Officials say the driver of the tractor-trailer was out of the vehicle and walking around at the scene after the accident.
“The trailer is laying here on the side - it was taken off right behind the cab of the tractor,” O’Hara Township Police Superintendent James R. Farringer said. “There’s considerable amount of damage that was done to the train to the front engines.”
Investigators believe the truck driver stopped on the railroad tracks and couldn’t get out of the way of the oncoming train before it was too late.
“Our investigation has showed so far that the tractor trailer was stopped on the tracks,” Superintendent Farringer added. “He was lost - and didn’t move in time.”
Police say they believe that the tracks will be cleared early this afternoon after investigators have had a chance to take a closer look at the damage.
Cameras onboard the Norfolk-Southern train are expected to help investigators determine exactly what caused the crash.

Leave a Reply