Truck driver averts serious injury after colliding with freight train in Brackenridge

The driver of a box truck escaped serious injury when the vehicle collided with a freight train while making a turn to cross railroad tracks in Brackenridge.

The crash was reported at 12:05 p.m. involving a northbound Norfolk Southern train and a vehicle from YRC Freight, which has a depot in McKees Rocks.

The railroad crossings from East Deer through Brackenridge were closed for nearly two hours while firefighters worked to remove the truck, which was pushed off to the side of the tracks during the collision.

Firefighters also were working to contain a small amount of fuel that leaked from the truck, which had a smashed windshield and heavy damage to its front end. The truck only had several boxes in its cargo area.

Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire said the driver appears to have missed the flashing signals at the crossing while turning from Fifth Avenue onto Morgan Street to cross the tracks. There is no gate at that intersection.

The driver, who was visibly shaken by the crash, was evaluated by medics from Eureka Fire-Rescue. He was transported to Allegheny Valley Hospital after complaining of wrist and back/neck pain.

He declined to give his name or discuss how the crash happened.

Norfolk Southern spokesman Connor Spielmaker said company officials are hoping the driver “makes a speedy recovery.”

“Railroad crossings are inherently dangerous spots. Drivers should always be extra careful before crossing and pay special attention to any warning devices,” he said.