A tractor-trailer and a train collided Wednesday morning near the Colfax Street crossing in Springdale — the third such wreck in less than three years, and fourth since 2018.
Springdale police Chief Derek Dayoub said his department was notified of the crash at 9:25 a.m.
“The truck’s dolly legs got stuck under the rail,” Dayoub said. “The driver couldn’t get off the tracks and evacuated the truck.”
Dolly legs are truck equipment that support heavy weight on a trailer.
The train hit the truck about 90 seconds after the driver got out of it, Dayoub said.
No one was injured, Dayoub said. The trailer was empty.
The crash knocked the truck’s cab on its side.
NEW VIDEO of the Springdale tractor trailer vs train crash from this morning along Colfax Street. No injuries here.
— Tom Garris (@TomWTAE) February 21, 2024
A piece of the truck's equipment (dolly legs) got stuck on the tracks, according to police. The driver got out before the impact. @WTAE pic.twitter.com/TvUhn01ltF
The rail crossing warning lights and gates at Colfax Street appeared to be working.
The Springdale Volunteer Fire Department and Norfolk Southern railroad police also were on the scene.
Police continue to investigate.
Oak’s Auto/Truck Service of Cheswick worked to remove the truck from the scene.
“We’re happy to hear there were no injuries from today’s incident,” Norfolk Southern spokesman Connor Spielmaker said in a statement. “This is not always the case, and this incident should serve as a reminder that railroad crossings can be uniquely dangerous places that always need extra caution to ensure everyone’s safety.
“Never enter one before you are sure you can get through safely, and in case of emergency, always get out and call the emergency number listed on the blue sign at each crossing.”
The railroad crossing has a history of wrecks.
On April 28, 2021, a freight train and a tractor-trailer collided at the intersection. A flatbed was bringing a load of bricks to R.I. Lampus, and the load and trailer were destroyed.
That incident was similar to one that occurred April 9, 2021, when a tractor-trailer carrying bricks and building materials was struck at the crossing. Witnesses told TribLive at the time that the truck driver had little time to react to the oncoming train.
In both of those incidents, Springdale police said the tractor-trailer driver had partially crossed the tracks and was unable to clear the left turn onto South Railroad Street.
In 2018, a tanker hauling a nontoxic resin to a nearby business collided with a train at the intersection.
No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
Reached Wednesday, Springdale Mayor Joel Anderson said he was out of town and unable to comment on the incident.
