27/June/2014 – Amtrak vs SUV MVC – “A” Shift

Incident # 14-03797 – A Jeep Liberty SUV pulled into the path of a loaded Amtrak train at a private crossing off of Balchem Lane north of the Green Pond Community Friday morning 27-June. At 06:33, Fire-Rescue was notified of the accident on the rural dirt road. Medic 6 arrived to find the heavily damaged Jeep in the ditch on the south side of the crossing. The 24 year old male driver was out of the vehicle and walking around. The Amtrak train, loaded with 325 passengers, was approximately ¼ mile down the tracks. The train was enroute to Florida. The Engine received damage to the lower front and slight damage to the side of the lead Engine. It remained operational. No one on the train complained of any injuries. Firefighter-Paramedics evaluated the driver of the SUV and did not note any injuries. The man denied ambulance transportation to the hospital. The accident occurred several hundred feet from the Ashepoo River and Firefighters thanked the Lord the train did not derail. The SC Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.  

Engine 2, Medic 6, Battalion 1, Car 12 and Car 107 responded. Firefighter-Paramedic Johnny Hoskins served as Incident Commander.