An Ohio driver jumped out of his truck just before an oncoming locomotive crashed into the vehicle, breaking it into pieces.
The terrifying accident occurred Wednesday morning in Versailles, Ohio, when the 18-wheeler became stuck at the West St crossing of the CSX railroad.
The incident unfolded as the security gate was lowering. Despite warning signs with lights and bells, the truck continued onto the tracks.
As the safety barriers on both sides of the tracks began to lower, one of the arms finally fell between the cab of the truck and the trailer.
The driver tried to reverse, but had little time as the approaching train could be heard in the background.
An Ohio driver jumped out of his truck just before an oncoming locomotive crashed into the vehicle, breaking it into pieces.
The shocking accident took place Wednesday morning in Versailles, Ohio, when the 18-wheeler stopped at the West St crossing of the CSX railroad, authorities said.
The truck driver, who has not been identified, finally emerged from his cab, checking the safety barrier as the sound of the approaching train became even louder.
Seeming to realize the danger as the train rapidly approached, the driver ran away, narrowly escaping the imminent, horrific crash.
Just seconds later, the train collided with his vehicle, engulfing him in a cloud of smoke as the cabin shattered, scattering debris in all directions.
The heart-stopping moment was captured by social media user Isaiah Vanderhorst, who was standing in the parking lot of a nearby bank, the Post reported.
As the driver escaped from his truck, two witnesses can be heard saying desperately: ‘Oh no, oh no!’
“The train involved continued westbound on the tracks and stopped just east of the Conover Rd crossing,” Village of Versailles Ohio EMS said in a statement.
The incident unfolded as the security gate was lowering. Despite warning signs and bells, the truck continued onto the tracks.
Just seconds later, the train collided with his vehicle, engulfing him in a cloud of smoke as the cabin shattered, scattering debris in all directions.
Versailles Fire and Rescue and the Versailles Police Department responded to the scene and found no one who did not need additional medical treatment.
The crash caused extensive damage to the front of the vehicle and created a large debris field, with fuel and fluids spilled, authorities said.
The train’s engine was damaged, but CSX quickly repaired it. Meanwhile, the truck’s cabin was almost completely destroyed, as shown in the video.
“There was a large spill of fuel and fluids from the truck, which was mitigated by FD personnel,” authorities said.
“Englewood Towing and Recovery was dispatched to assist with the cleanup and remove the semi.”
All roads and crossings are now open, authorities added.
“The train involved continued westbound on the tracks and stopped just east of the Conover Rd crossing,” Village of Versailles Ohio EMS said in a statement.
The video capturing the devastating accident also sparked overwhelming reactions on social media, with users left shocked by the truck driver’s reaction.
One person wrote: ‘Two stupid people. First, try to cross while the lights and bell are on. Second, don’t just break your arm.
Another user chimed in: ‘That’s what I was wondering. Why doesn’t he go back and break the damn tip of the arm? He makes me wonder if he stopped the tractor or something.
Some users speculated that the driver might not have been able to reverse due to other vehicles stopping behind him.
One person wrote: “I guess the train was too close to act, he must have been in shock, backing away would have been difficult.”
“And if it had moved forward and been hit by the trailer, then the oncoming train about 30 seconds later would have also hit the truck.”
Another person wrote: “Maybe someone was behind the semi and couldn’t back up.”