A freight train was derailed in Tennessee this week after it smashed through a tractor-trailer that was carrying a massive concrete beam.
The crash happened Tuesday afternoon in the Chattanooga suburb of Collegedale in Hamilton County, according to local media.
“This afternoon, Norfolk Southern train slams into a tractor trailer carrying a 134 foot concrete truss beam in Collegedale, TN,” the county said in a statement. “Three locomotives and 10 railroad cars derailed and slammed into each other causing a disastrous mess! Two Norfolk employees sustained minor injuries and were transported to local area hospitals by HCEMS.”
“The train derailed after colliding with a truck stopped on the tracks due to a red light at the intersection,” said Amy Maxwell, public information officer for Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management.
“The railroad crossing bar and signals were working and signaled that the train was approaching,” the statement added.
WATCH:
A train has derailed in Chattanooga, Tennessee after a semi got stuck on the tracks. pic.twitter.com/H5EoDZONfa
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) December 20, 2022
Tennessee Department of Transportation community relations officer Rae Anne Bradley posted a photograph on Twitter of the crash scene that was taken from a drone.
“Earlier today, a train hit a bridge beam that was en route to the SR 317 reconstruction project, resulting in a derailment near the intersection of Apison Pike & University Drive,” she said. “Both roads are closed in this area. Consider an alternate route. This will be a lengthy closure.”
Earlier today, a train hit a bridge beam that was en route to the SR 317 reconstruction project, resulting in a derailment near the intersection of Apison Pike & University Drive. Both roads are closed in this area. Consider an alternate route. This will be a lengthy closure. pic.twitter.com/ipNcR2o8YG
— Rae Anne Bradley (@RaeAnneTDOT) December 20, 2022
“Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department and Collegedale Police Department responded to the scene and confirmed a large train derailment,” the county added. “Tri-Community VFD requested a mutual aid response for additional manpower and hazardous materials clean up efforts. Hamilton County HazMat team, Hamilton Co. Rescue and Chattanooga Fire Department responded to the scene.”
“Hamilton County Hazmat team, Chattanooga Fire Department and Tri-Community VFD used absorbent booms and pads to assist with the large diesel spill for the three locomotives,” the statement concluded. “Highway 58 VFD, Catoosa County FD, and Chattanooga Fire Department stood by at Tri-Community fire stations for any additional emergency calls in their district.”
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