28/November/2014 – Train vs Vehicle MVC – “C” Shift

Incident # 14-06955 – A northbound Amtrak train collided with a utility trailer after a pickup truck reportedly drove around the crossing gates on Hope Plantation Lane Friday morning 28-November. The accident was reported by CSX Railroad at 09:37 advising the passenger train struck the trailer at the marked crossing. This was the second collision between a vehicle and an Amtrak train in the last five months in Colleton County. The train stopped about ½ mile north of the crossing. Engine 2 arrived at the scene, but could not locate the vehicle. Witnesses advised the white pickup had fled the scene in the direction of ACE Basin Parkway. They noted the trailer was damaged and the truck more than likely could not have gone far due to the damage. Evidence at the scene indicated the vehicle was pushed off of the tracks and on the dirt shoulder before it left the scene. The train received minor damage and no passengers were injured. A Sheriff’s Deputy located the truck about 20 minutes later. The driver had left the trailer behind the Sunoco Gas Station on ACE Basin Parkway. The driver was not injured. The stopped train delayed other rail traffic for nearly two hours. The SC Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

Engine 2, Medic 6, Brush 2, Battalion 1, Car 12 and Car 118 responded. Fire Commissioner SG Drew served as Incident Commander.