Train plows thru big rig

Train plows through big rig, but no injuries reported

2/21/2008



SILVER POINT, Tenn. ' A train plowed through the trailer section of a big truck which was crossing the railroad tracks on Highway 56 at Interstate 40 here, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Charles Morris, 62, of Wake Forest, N.C., was identified as the driver of the truck. He somehow managed to escape injury, the THP reported.

His truck, however, was thrown onto its side, leaving the cab sticking up in the air "at an angle," said THP Sgt. Joe Agee.

The Nashville and Eastern Railroad train, made up of eight cars and a locomotive, was being operated by engineer August Pappas of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., and was headed west toward Lebanon, the trooper said.

"The truck driver said his (truck's) engine kept him from hearing the clanging bells and said he heard the train's whistle, but it was too late," Sgt. Agee said.

A witness who was pumping gas at a nearby store told the trooper that all the railroad warning signals were working when the truck pulled across the tracks in front of the train.

The train struck the truck's trailer, which was loaded with foodstuffs, knocking the trailer on its side and twisting the cab up into the air, Sgt. Agee said.

Pappas saw the truck crossing the tracks in front of him, but it was too late to stop the train, the trooper said.

"You can't stop a train on a dime," said Agee.
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