Train hits road construction beam delivery truck in Collegedale
The beam was part of the Apison Pike widening project
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EMS now says the truck was carrying a single 134 foot concrete truss beam. The driver was waiting for a green light at the railroad crossing when he got caught up on the tracks. That’s when the crossing gates came down on him and the train hit the truck. Latest count has 3 locomotives and ten cars derailed. Two Norfolk Southern employees were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
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COLLEGEDALE, Tennessee (WDEF) – A delivery for a road project in Collegedale ended in a train derailment this afternoon.
It happened around 12:30 on Apison Pike near the University Drive intersection.
Crews were delivering a giant beam that was part of the Apison Pike widening.
The irony is that the beam was actually meant to build a new bridge over the train tracks.
But while it was being delivered, the beam got stuck on the track.
The train came along and hit it.
Officials say two people suffered minor injuries in the collision.
Meanwhile, both directions of Apison Pike are closed.
Crews report there is a diesel spill but no dangerous chemicals.
Officials urge people to avoid the area because the cleanup could take a long time.
