Saturday, May 9, 2015

NORFOLK SOUTHERN TRAIN STRUCK A TRACTOR-TRAILER AND KILLED ITS DRIVER IN CHILLICOTHE, OHIO










MAY 6, 2015

CHILLICOTHE, OHIO

A Springfield truck driver was pronounced dead Wednesday evening after his tractor-trailer was struck by a train in the 4000 block of Higby Road.

According to the Ross County Sheriff's Office, investigators were still on the scene of the crash after 10:30 p.m. and would likely be there well into the night looking into what led to the crash, which took place about 6 p.m. when the Norfolk Southern Train struck the tractor-trailer. Following the crash, the truck's cab was found on one side of the railroad tracks while what appeared to possibly be a grain trailer was on the other side of the track.

The truck's driver, Vernon Cooper, 67, of Springfield, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ross County Coroner. The body was placed in the custody of the coroner's office so that an autopsy could be conducted.

The sheriff's office reported that the trailer on the truck was empty at the time of the crash. Norfolk Southern told authorities that the train was not carrying any hazardous materials.

Shortly after the investigation began, bystanders who had arrived on the scene were moved back to allow investigators more room to examine the scene. The conductor of the train was not injured, but was initially asked to remain inside the train following the crash. 

As of 10:30 p.m., details on what may have caused the collision were not available as the investigation at the scene continued.

The truck driver's name was released about four and a half hours after the crash once his relatives had been located and notified.

The Ohio Highway Patrol also responded to the scene and is involved in the investigation.

Authorities indicated more details will be released as they become available.
Source: http://www.chillicothegazette.com