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