Semi struck by train: Driver not injured after truck stalls on tracks
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| Morrison police and Union Pacific personnel gather at the site of a train versus semi accident in Morrison. The accident took place at 6 a.m. at the Jackson Street crossing when the semi stalled on the tracks. The driver was able to get out safely before impact. The train pushed the truck about 300 yards before stopping. (Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@svnmail.com) |
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MORRISON – A semitrailer was hit by a train Thursday morning when the truck stalled on the tracks at the railroad crossing on Jackson Street.
The semi driver, Darrell Harper, 43, of Columbus, Ill., was away from the truck when the train hit. He was not injured.
The truck was carrying drain tile.
Around 6 a.m., Harper was crossing the tracks while driving north on Jackson when his truck stalled. The semi was stuck on the tracks for 3 or 4 minutes, said Morrison Police Chief Brian Melton.
A Union Pacific train traveling east smashed into the semi, pushing it several feet down the tracks. Melton said the train was traveling about 40 to 50 mph.
The semi was a total loss, and one of the headlights on the train was knocked out, Melton reported.
Harper has not been cited, Melton said. Chief Melton was unsure what company Harper drives for.
Police were investigating the incident.
This is not the first time a truck has stalled at that railroad crossing. Melton said the tracks are on a steep grade, which makes it sometimes difficult for large vehicles to get across. Just recently, a truck with a gooseneck trailer stalled on the tracks.
To alleviate the problem, Melton said, he would like to see warning signs at the tracks. That’s something he might bring up to the city council, he said.
