UPDATED 7:20 p.m., Dec 29, 2016
The Tennessee Highway Department reopened Wilson Pike after a CSX train struck a FedEx truck at the Clovercroft intersection.
Multiple agencies assisted the on-scene wreck, which happened at 3:55 p.m. A passerby called in the incident and helped unfasten the unconscious driver from his seat. The truck was attempting to cross over the tracks to a private drive when the train struck.
Now completely dismantled, the white truck carrying packages laid flipped on its side for the last two hours. The train left various cracks in the windshield and destroyed the front axel. The railroad crossing sign flew across Wilson Pike, hitting the guard rail. CSX officials on scene drug it across the roadway, setting it beside the tracks. The engine of the train went a mile down the tracks before it could make a complete stop.
According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Michael Terns, emergency personnel took the driver to Vanderbilt Medical Center. His injuries are unknown at this time, but he left the scene conscious. The conductor of the train wasn’t injured.
“We are aware of the accident that occurred in Franklin, and we are grateful that no one was seriously injured,” FedEx Ground Public Relations Officer Allie Addoms said. “We are cooperating fully with the investigating authorities at this time.”
Fuel and oil leaked from the accident, warranting a visit from the Emergency Management Agency to access the scene and make the necessary precautions. To keep it from spreading, officials dammed up the liquid from the vehicle.
Both representatives from FedEx and CSX were on scene to access the situation. CSX had no comment at publication time.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis, no other accidents involving a train happened in Williamson County this year. In the past three years, a total 168 accidents involving trains have happened in Tennessee. Of those, 54 involved CSX.
This year in Tennessee, only 27 have occurred, 15 of which were CSX trains.
Check back with us for updates on this story.
Emily West covers Franklin, education, and the state legislature for the Franklin Home Page. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter via @emwest22.
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