None injured when train collides with tractor-trailer
By Robin L. Gardner .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Amtrak Southbound Piedmont No.73 passenger train collided with a tractor-trailer before 10 a.m. Wednesday at Pharr Mill Road.
The train, which runs from Raleigh to Charlotte, was scheduled to arrive at 10:12 a.m.
No one was seriously injured in the accident, although the Amtrak conductor suffered cuts on his hands.
Harrisburg Fire Department was dispatched to the tracks at 10 a.m. and confirmed the collision had occurred, according to Harrisburg Fire Chief Bryan Dunn.
“Preliminary reports tell us that the driver was not in the tractor-trailer. He did escape before the train hit his truck,” Dunn said.
The driver jumped out seconds before the train hit the truck, Dunn said. He later declined medical treatment.
The Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Department was questioning the driver for details of the incident.
“There were 11 passengers and four crew members on board the Amtrak train,” Dunn said. “All the passengers refused treatment and transport as far as medical emergencies were concerned. The only injury we had was the conductor, who has minor scrapes and cuts on his hands. The passengers had all been taken off the train and transported by taxis to the Amtrak Station on North Tryon Street Charlotte.”
The frame of the truck was lodged under the train having been dragged about 50 feet.
“At this time, we are gonna have to do some clean up of diesel fuel,” Patrol Sgt. Dennis McClure of the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office said. “We have a company on site now trying to get that situation straightened out. As soon as we can get the fuel straightened out, we can start being able to move some other equipment in here to get the train and other equipment out.”
A company named FCC Environmental is responsible for cleaning up the diesel, McClure said.
“The accident is still under investigation,” Dunn said.
The tractor-trailer is owned by J.B. Hunt, headquartered in Arkansas. Tony Hardin of J.B. Hunt would not elaborate on the incident except to say the driver was from North Carolina.
“It is still under investigation, “Hardin said.
“Norfolk Southern Railway, who owns the track line, sent a freight engine to tow the locomotive. As a result, Northbound Piedmont No. 74, from Charlotte to Raleigh, is cancelled today (Wednesday). That train leaves Charlotte at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in Raleigh at 8:43 p.m.” Cliff Black, media relations for Amtrak, said.
“Tomorrow, both 73 and 74 will operate normally,” Black said.
“The crossing was equipped with gates and flashing lights. I have no reason to believe that they weren’t working,” Black said.
• Contact reporter Robin L. Gardner: 704-789-9140.
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