Driver escapes injury in train-truck crash in DeSoto Parish
BENSON, La. — An 18-wheeler driver narrowly escaped injury — or worse — after bailing from his cab just before it was hit by a train in south DeSoto Parish.
A train crashed into a saltwater truck Wednesday afternoon at a railroad crossing in the Benson community. Courtesy: Kerri Hubier.
BENSON, La. — An 18-wheeler driver narrowly escaped injury — or worse — after bailing from his cab just before it was hit by a train in south DeSoto Parish.
The crash happened after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the state Highway 512 crossing at U.S. Highway 171 in the Benson community south of Mansfield.
Video from a passing motorist recorded the saltwater truck driver opening his door and jumping out just before the train engine hit the trailer that was straddled across the railroad tracks. The force of the collision rolled over the trailer and pushed it down the tracks before coming to a stop.
The driver was not injured, according to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The railroad crossing is closed until the wreckage can be cleared. No other roadways in the area are affected.
State troopers will investigate the crash.