CSX Train Collides With Semi Trailer Stuck at a Rail Crossing in Effingham, IL

October 10th, 2011 |

EFFINGHAM, IL – An 18 wheeler hauling a semi trailer got stuck at a rail crossing in Effingham, IL and an eastbound CSX train crashed into it on September 28, 2011.

effingham-il-train-crash-with-semi-truck

A CSX train collided with a semi trailer that was stuck high centered over the tracks at a rail crossing in Effingham, IL on September 28, 2011. Photo credit: Effingham Daily News

Effingham is located in Effingham County Illinois in the southeast central part of the state, about 88 miles southeast of Springfield, 64 miles southeast of Decatur and about 74 miles southwest of Champaign.

The big rig was hauling an 86,000 lb piece of heavy equipment which got stuck high centered while crossing the tracks. The driver was unable to move the rig off the tracks in time and got plowed into by an oncoming CSX train.

The accident occurred Wednesday morning around 6:30 a.m. at the rail crossing at South 3rd St. and East National Ave. The train was moving about 40 m.p.h. but was unable to stop in time to avoid the collision.

effingham-il-train-crash-with-semi-truck-map

Map showing location of CSX train collision with semi trailer in Effingham, IL at the rail crossing at South 3rd St. and East National Ave. on September 28, 2011.

Fortunately, no one was hurt in the mishap and there were no railroad worker injuries. Also it was good fortune that the train did not derail and there were no hazardous materials involved so no evacuations were ordered.

The semi truck driver was driving south on 3rd St (U.S. Highway 45) and intended to turn on East Fayette Avenue, but missed his turn. The driver’s only route out of this situation would have been to make a right turn a few yards before the railroad crossing onto West National Ave and head west towards Banker Street. From there he could have circled north onto one of the side streets to get back to East Fayette. But once he crossed the tracks, the truck trailer was doomed.

The driver got out of his cab and tried to raise the semi trailer off the tracks with an attached motor but the train was approaching and there was not enough time.

The crash tore the trailer from the tractor and then knocked the trailer and heavy cargo over onto its side onto the north side of the tracks. A section of track was damaged, bending the rails and pulling out spikes. The train’s engine was also badly damaged in the nose section.

Motorists were re-routed to the Banker Street overpass and the rail crossings at 3rd, 4th and Willow Streets were closed to rail traffic until the wreckage was cleared and the tracks repaired.

FELA Lawyer News Blog is a FELA, train accident and personal injury blog that publishes up to date train accidents and FELA legal news from across the United States. The Federal Employers ‘Liability Act, (FELA) allows injured railroad workers to recover compensation based on the negligence of the railroad company, in lieu of workers’ compensation. FELA defines negligence as the railroad company’s failure to use reasonable care.