Train/dump truck wreck in Raleigh NC

[ChiefEagles]

FROM WRAL-TV NEWS

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Authorities say two people are dead after a collision involving a dump truck and an Amtrak train.
An Amtrak train from Charlotte to New York hit a dump truck Tuesday. Multiple injuries have been reported.
The accident occurred around 12:35 p.m. Tuesday near Rush Street in Raleigh. The train, the Carolinian, was headed from Charlotte to New York when it hit a dump truck that was filled with gravel.
The collision knocked several cars off the tracks and upended the dump truck. Police said the two occupants in the dump truck died in the accident. Their names have not been released.
Officials said there were 196 passengers on the train. Fourteen people were taken to WakeMed with minor injuries.
The remaining 182 passengers from the train who were not injured were taken by bus to the Raleigh Convention and Conference Center. The passengers were transported to the convention center because the Amtrak facility in Raleigh was not large enough to accommodate the group.
The convention center staff and the American Red Cross provided water and refreshments to the passengers.
The accident is under investigation. Rush Street between Hammond and Old Garner roads is closed to traffic. Motorists are advised to avoid the area. The closure will be in effect through the afternoon commute.

[csxt30]

That is an awfull kind of accident. Been to a few of those & It's also hard on the train crews. Though they can't stop a train very fast, they sometimes take it very hard. We sometimes need to remind people of rail safety even here on the forum, you never know, it may make one person aware & save a life. Thanks for sharing that Chief.

[ChiefEagles]

Even at high speed highway crossings with gates and signals, I slow down and look. Never know when they might not be working. Any unsignaled crossing, I stop, then cross. We had one killed at night at a crossing of double tracks. Signals going and train went by. Didn't wait for them to stop. Guy drove into the side of a train that was crossing in the opposite direction [very dark crossing]. Had one that ran under a box car adn was caught under the box car. Went through a town and the sparks were seen. Folks called PD who called the railroad. Got train stopped after 15 miles past the collision crossing. Will not tell you what was left of the car and you can guess what was left of the car's passengers.

[fjerome]

truck apparently drove around the gates which were down.

[lionelsoni]

Trains Magazine now has a picture up at
http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/006/077krfom.asp

[spankybird]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR from Trains Magazine forum

Maybe we should have an ad campaign like these ads from down under:

http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/safety/rail/media/advert1.wmv

http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/safety/rail/media/advert2.wmv

Maybe we need these on our TV's

[espeefoamer]

Those ads will really make you stop and think.And keep one from doing something stupid![xx(]