Speeding Locomotive Crashes Into 134-ft Concrete Beam And Both Lose

Trains run into things that are haphazardly on the tracks all too often but what isn’t very common is when the thing on the tracks is big enough or heavy enough to derail the train and then some. That’s exactly what happened to one locomotive when it met a concrete beam and somehow nobody lost their life in the accident.

Collegedale, Tennessee is just east of Chattanooga and it was the scene of the collision between the train and concrete on Tuesday. The driver of a flatbed trailer was waiting at a red light with its load, a 134-foot concrete bridge beam resting across the train tracks. While it waited, the crossing arms activated but the truck couldn’t clear the tracks.

Not long after, a Norfolk Southern Railroad train smashed into the flatbed and the concrete beam, utterly destroying both in the process. According to local news outlet The Chattanoogan, three locomotives and a total of 10 railroad cars derailed. The scene was about as chaotic looking as it could possibly be. A local Tennessee Department of Transportation employee tweeted about the road closure and detour plans.

More: Brightline Train Splits Truck Carrying Luxury Cars In Half, Throws Audi Into The Air

Photos Chattanooga Fire Department

Thankfully, only two people, Norfolk Southern Railroad employees, reported injuries and both were considered minor. Nevertheless, each one was transported to local hospitals by Hamilton county EMS.

“I am thankful for no serious injuries or loss of life. Many thanks to the Collegedale Police Department, Tri-Community Fire Department, Hamilton County EMS, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and Norfolk Southern for their hard work in responding to this tragic incident,” said Collegedale Mayor Morty Lloyd.

If this incident confirms anything it should be that there’s never a good reason to stop on train tracks. Even with advanced warning, trains might not have enough room to stop before contacting someone or something on the track.

Due to their size and speed, they carry a lot more force than some people might realize. The video below makes that very clear. Wherever possible, stop far enough away from the track that a passing train won’t come anywhere near you or your vehicle.