Train crashes into tanker truck
Hydrochloric acid spilled in Washington County; rig’s driver hospitalized
A locomotive struck a tanker truck carrying hydrochloric acid Tuesday at a crossing in Washington County that has seen at least three collisions in the last eight years.
One person, presumed to be the truck driver, was airlifted to a hospital and the train crew was taken as a precaution after the collision, which was reported at 10:38 a.m. at the intersection of State Route 88 and Maple Glenn Road in Centerville.
A hazardous materials team responded because the tractortrailer was hauling 44,600 pounds of hydrochloric acid that was released during the crash. About 15 homes were evacuated and nearby roads were closed while authorities dealt with the toxic chemical. There were no reports of injuries from the spill.
The tanker truck pulled in front of the southbound train and was hit in the railroad crossing, which was marked by signs, said Jonathan Glass, spokesman for Norfolk Southern. The train, which consisted of three CSX locomotives and 102 empty coal hopper cars, was operated by a two-person Norfolk Southern crew through an operating agreement between the two railroads.
The engineer and the conductor were taken to a hospital for evaluation, Mr. Glass said. The train was traveling from Newell to a coal mine in Claysville.
Trains have collided with vehicles at that crossing at least five times in the last 28 years, according to records kept by the Federal Railroad Administration. Most recently, in 2014, a tractor-trailer hauling water from hydraulic fracturing natural gas drilling stalled on the tracks and was hit by a train moments after the driver jumped to safety.
In January 2010, a pickup truck tried to cross in front of a train and was struck; in April 2010 a tractor-trailer turned left onto Maple Glenn Road from State Route 88 in front of a train and was hit; in 2003 a truck was struck as it crossed; and in 1990 a truck was hit after it stopped on the tracks, according to federal records. Two drivers were injured in those crashes; no one was killed.
A different crossing about a half-mile up the tracks shows similar numbers, according to federal records, with five crashes reported between 2002 and 2009.
Judy Schury, 74, who lives on Maple Glenn Road and was evacuated Tuesday, said crashes happen so frequently at the Maple Glenn Road intersection that she recognizes the sound of trains’ emergency brakes.
“You know something went wrong when you hear that — it’s, ‘Bang bang bang bang,’ and definitely something’s happening,” she said. “[Trains have] hit a UPS truck, a Lowe’s truck, a tanker,