This past week in Tennessee, a large freight train derailed in the wake of smashing directly through a large tractor-trailer that was transporting a gigantic concrete beam.
The crash took place Tuesday evening in Collegedale, a Chattanooga suburb in Hamilton County, as reported by local media outlets.
“This afternoon, Norfolk Southern train slams into a tractor trailer carrying a 134 foot concrete truss beam in Collegedale, TN,” explained the county in a release. “Three locomotives and 10 railroad cars derailed and slammed into each other causing a disastrous mess! Two Norfolk employees sustained minor injuries and were transported to local area hospitals by HCEMS.”
“The train derailed after colliding with a truck stopped on the tracks due to a red light at the intersection,” stated Amy Maxwell, a Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management public information officer.
“The railroad crossing bar and signals were working and signaled that the train was approaching,” explained the statement.
WATCH:
A train has derailed in Chattanooga, Tennessee after a semi got stuck on the tracks. pic.twitter.com/H5EoDZONfa
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) December 20, 2022
Rae Anne Bradley, the community relations officer for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, highlighted a drone-captured picture of the crash aftermath on social media.
“Earlier today, a train hit a bridge beam that was en route to the SR 317 reconstruction project, resulting in a derailment near the intersection of Apison Pike & University Drive,” she stated. “Both roads are closed in this area. Consider an alternate route. This will be a lengthy closure.”
Earlier today, a train hit a bridge beam that was en route to the SR 317 reconstruction project, resulting in a derailment near the intersection of Apison Pike & University Drive. Both roads are closed in this area. Consider an alternate route. This will be a lengthy closure. pic.twitter.com/ipNcR2o8YG
— Rae Anne Bradley (@RaeAnneTDOT) December 20, 2022
“Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department and Collegedale Police Department responded to the scene and confirmed a large train derailment,” stated the county. “Tri-Community VFD requested a mutual aid response for additional manpower and hazardous materials clean up efforts. Hamilton County HazMat team, Hamilton Co. Rescue and Chattanooga Fire Department responded to the scene.”
“Hamilton County Hazmat team, Chattanooga Fire Department and Tri-Community VFD used absorbent booms and pads to assist with the large diesel spill for the three locomotives,” the statement finished. “Highway 58 VFD, Catoosa County FD, and Chattanooga Fire Department stood by at Tri-Community fire stations for any additional emergency calls in their district.”
