Train rips through stalled semi-trailer loaded with bricks

SULLIVAN COUNTY— A wrong turn left one truck driver in a bad place this afternoon when a train plowed through his trailer, which had just gotten lodged on the tracks.

Daniel L. Cox, 63,  of Grand Ridge, Mich., was pulling a box trailer fully loaded with bricks when he attempted to cross the railroad tracks and the trailer got stuck. He was able to escape the vehcile just before impact.

Indiana State Police and Sullivan County emergency agencies responded to the train versus tractor-trailer crash on CR 950 N,  east of US 41,  just before 1 p.m.  

ISP Sgt. Joe Watts explained that the 2010 Freightliner tractor made a wrong turn while exiting the Brampton Brick Factory and attempted to proceed eastbound on CR 950 N. 

"As the tractor-trailer attempted to cross the higher elevation CSX railroad tracks, the trailer became lodged on the tracks. Cox dialed 911 and spoke with Sullivan County Dispatch and advised them of his demise," Watts said.

CSX railroad was contacted and advised of the emergency situation. Sullivan County Dispatch received the drivers' call at 12:40 p.m.; the crash call was received just eight minutes later.  Cox had exited his tractor prior to the collision and was not injured.

"The CSX train engineer, Robert Morrison, reportedly attempted an emergency stop after the notification of trouble on the tracks, but could not stop the 80 - car train in time to prevent the impact," Watts said, adding that Morrison and the train conductor were not injured.
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The crash was investigated by ISP Master Trooper Tom Hanks. Assisting were ISP Troopers Erik Smith, Polly Blackburn, and Tyler Van Ness; Sullivan County Chief Deputy Jason Bobbitt, Thunderbird Fire/Rescue; CSX Railroad Police, Sullivan County Highway Department, Personnel from Brampton Brick, and Peffley and Hinshaw Wrecker Service.
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No tickets were issued.