Freight Train Clips Tractor-Trailer In West Nyack
WEST NYACK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There were no injuries and no major damage when a freight train hit a tractor-trailer in West Nyack, officials said.
A CSX train hauling municipal waste clipped the rear of a tractor-trailer at Pineview Avenue in West Nyack around 7 p.m. Wednesday, police said.
The 63-year-old truck driver told police that he didn't think the train was moving when he saw it south of the crossing.
Freight Train Clips Tractor-Trailer In West Nyack
The 35-year-old train engineer said he was moving slowly and sounding the train whistle while approaching the crossing, Clarkstown Police said.
The caution lights on the crossing appeared to be in working order, police said.
A street sign was damaged during the collision. The tractor-trailer sustained minor damage.
There was no damage to the train.
Officials say the accident could have been worse, but see this as a warning.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day is concerned about volatile bakken crude oils on the rails rolling past schools and homes. Other parts of the country have endured devastating derailments and explosions.
"This is a reminder for us why we need safe zones, safe lessons and quiet zones," Day told WCBS 880's Sean Adams. "This time it was garbage, it could have been bakken crude."
The county will be getting improved crossing gates later this year.
"These gates have two or three layers of gates around them and they essentially box out the crossing," Day said.
There was no gate at the crossing where the latest incident occurred.
Last month, Rockland first responders and CSX conducted a drill of a mock oil tanker disaster.
