An Ohio driver hopped out of his semi-truck just before an approaching locomotive plowed into the vehicle and broke it into pieces.
The terrifying crash occurred on Wednesday morning in Versailles, Ohio, when the 18-wheeler was stuck at the West St crossing of the CSX railway.
The incident unfolded as the safety gate was descending. Despite warning lights and bells signaling, the semi-truck continued toward the tracks.
As the safety barriers on both sides of the tracks began lowering, one of the arms eventually dropped between the truck’s cab and trailer.
The driver attempted to reverse but had little time as the approaching train can be heard in the background.
The truck driver, who has not been identified, finally exited his cab, checking the safety barrier as the sound of approaching train grew even louder.
Seeming to realize the danger as the train rapidly came closer, the driver jogged away, narrowly escaping the impending, horrifying crash.
Mere seconds later, the train collided with his vehicle, engulfing it in a billowing cloud of smoke as the cab shattered into pieces, scattering debris in all directions.
The heart-stopping moment was captured by social media user Isaiah Vanderhorst, who was standing in the parking lot of a nearby bank, as reported by the Post.
When the driver escaped from his truck, two witnesses can be heard saying desperately: ‘Oh no, oh no!’
‘The train involved continued West down the tracks coming to a stop just East of the Conover Rd crossing,’ Village of Versailles Ohio EMS said in a statement.
Versailles Fire and Rescue and the Versailles Police Department responded to the scene and found no one in no need of further medical treatment.
The wreck resulted in heavy front-end damage to the vehicle and created a large debris field, with spilled-out fuel and fluids, authorities said.
The train’s engine sustained damage but was promptly repaired by CSX. Meanwhile, the truck’s cab was nearly completely destroyed, as depicted in the video.
‘There was a large fuel and fluid spill from the semi, which was mitigated by FD personnel,’ authorities said.
‘Englewood Towing and Recovery was dispatched to assist with clean up and remove the semi.’
All roads and crossings are now open, authorities added.
The video capturing the devastating crash also elicited overwhelming reactions on social media, with users being shocked by the truck driver’s reaction.
One person wrote: ‘Twice stupid. First, trying to cross while the lights and bell are on. Second, not just breaking the arm.’
Another user chimed in: ‘That’s what I wondered. Why doesn’t he just back up and break the damn arm point! Makes me wonder if he stalled the tractor or something.’
Some users speculated that the driver might not have been able to reverse due to other vehicles stopped behind him.
A person wrote: ‘Train was too close to act i guess, must’ve been in a state of shock, backing up would’ve been difficult.
‘And if he would’ve pulled forward and got hit in the trailer, then the oncoming train heading in the other direction about 30 seconds later would’ve also impacted the truck.’
Another person wrote: ‘Maybe someone was behind semi and he couldn’t back up.’
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