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Dennis Katsnelson

Indiana State Police reported a case where a truck operator ignored caution signals and switches at a train crossing, causing his vehicle to be hit by an opposing train Monday. The accident happened about 5:30 p.m. June 12 close to St. Joe, Indiana, but fortunately the truck driver, 59-year-old Indiana man Anthony Ball, was not injured. According to ISP, Ball had been driving the Kenworth truck northbound on County Road 63 when he pulled over in front of the railroad tracks but later ignored the crossing brackets.

The railroad crossing brackets were triggered by a CSX train coming westbound at 36 mph. Ball tried to bypass the brackets and pull onto the railroad tracks, but the semitrailer was unable to pull onto the tracks. The CSX train collided with the trailer and threw it against the railroad bracket/trailer bracket, resulting in serious damage to the bracket. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, and police confirmed that there was no derailment or loss of cargo. Nevertheless, the incident serves as a reminder of how important it is to watch for warning signals and switches at railroad crossings to avoid potential accidents and injuries.

It also underscores the need for proper training and information for truck drivers to prevent similar incidents in the future. TSA urged all drivers to remain vigilant and use caution when approaching railroad crossings, especially if warning signals and switches are turned on at the crossings. They also urged drivers to report any problems or issues with railroad crossings to the proper authorities to ensure the safety of all drivers and passengers.