Train collides with stranded truck

YouTube clip shows the devastating impact of a freight train colliding with a stranded truck at a level crossing in Louisiana earlier this week

A video clip uploaded to YouTube shows incredible footage of a collision between a prime mover hauling a crane and an 87-car freight train at a level crossing in the town of Mer Rouge, Louisiana, on Monday, October 5.

Fortunately the truck driver had jumped clear of his stranded rig moments before the impact, while authorities report the injuries sustained by two engineers on the train were not life threatening.

The horrifying accident was caught on camera by Juanita Schulze as she and her husband and father-in-law were waiting in their car at the level crossing, boom gates down and lights flashing.

Local police report that truck driver Daniel Shackleford had been negotiating the open crossing in his heavily loaded rig when it became stuck on the tracks. With the freight train bearing down, there was little he could do other than exit the cab and leave the truck to its fate.

The impact destroyed the truck, trailer and crane and derailed the train, also rupturing a container of gas. The Schulzes quickly drove from the scene fearing a chemical leak, but fortunately the ruptured container was filled with argon, an inert gas.

Authorities report there have been several collisions at the level crossing in recent years.

The clip, uploaded on the day of the accident, had attracted over one million views in two days. Take a look for yourself...

Train collides with stranded truck

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