Train Hits Tractor Trailer
By: Danielle Krout
Updated: September 25, 2012
SOMERSET TOWNSHIP, SOMERSET COUNTY--- State Police said the driver of a tractor trailer did not obey traffic signs when it was hit by a train.
It happened just before ten Monday morning on Stoystown Road.
"I looked up and I just saw that train plow through the truck," said Robert Ogline, owner of Somerset Milling Company. "Mail just flew everywhere!"
State Police said 63-year old Gaines Sims; the driver of the truck did not stop before the white line when the railroad lights were flashing. The trained owned by CSX did not have time to stop before crashing into the truck.
"I heard the train coming and when I heard the bang, I knew what it was right away," said Patricia Miller who lives across the street.
The truck was carrying standard mail and was on its way to Pittsburgh.
"Standard mail consist of advertising and bulk mail there was no priority, first class or express mail," said Wendy Hudak, Post Office Manager, Pittsburgh.
Sims is facing a number of traffic violations.
It happened just before ten Monday morning on Stoystown Road.
"I looked up and I just saw that train plow through the truck," said Robert Ogline, owner of Somerset Milling Company. "Mail just flew everywhere!"
State Police said 63-year old Gaines Sims; the driver of the truck did not stop before the white line when the railroad lights were flashing. The trained owned by CSX did not have time to stop before crashing into the truck.
"I heard the train coming and when I heard the bang, I knew what it was right away," said Patricia Miller who lives across the street.
The truck was carrying standard mail and was on its way to Pittsburgh.
"Standard mail consist of advertising and bulk mail there was no priority, first class or express mail," said Wendy Hudak, Post Office Manager, Pittsburgh.
Sims is facing a number of traffic violations.
Comments
Two years and 5 days 137th most dangerous crossing in the state with the train inventory doctored as -0- trains a day. What's the odds of four vehicles being hit by a couple of 25 mph speed limit trains a week?
137 0.035402 145163L 2 1 0 0 0 FL 0 1 25 YES 2 9,411
Robert P.
September 25, 2012 at 12:25 am
With four collisions here in years and 5 days ---1 killed and 1 injured one might think the state police haven't a clue on what to look for.
Let's figure 9,000 vehicles a day here and the lights have to be on at least 20 seconds before the train arrives. The odds of this truck being first to the crossing are about zip.nadda.
Where's the fine on the state for not having gates and cantilevers where these obsolete side mounted signals are with TREES in front of them???
Robert P.
September 25, 2012 at 12:19 am
