A dump truck attempting to cross railroad tracks at County Road 550N at U.S. 31 was hit by a train, disrupting the Thursday morning commute near Taylorsville.
The accident happened about 7:43 a.m. when the empty dump truck traveling west on County Road 550N across the railroad tracks was hit as it was attempting to turn north on U.S. 31, said Matt Lynch, deputy chief for the German Township Volunteer Fire Department.
A CSX 72-car train heading north, which was hauling new cars, hit the back of the dump truck that was still on the tracks as the driver was preparing to turn, Lynch said.
Indiana State Police Trooper Jason Duncan said a 1993 Mack dump truck, driven by Andrew Tobias, 60, Edinburgh, had stopped at the intersection, but then stalled and rolled backwards on to the railroad tracks where the collision occurred. The train was being operated by John Gipe, 59, Prospect, Kentucky.
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The impact caused the back end of the truck to be knocked off the tracks at about a 90-degree angle, with the truck remaining upright but landing parallel to the train. State police said the dump truck is owned by DL Trucking, Columbus. Minor damage was reported to the truck, which was towed from the scene, and the train.
No injuries were reported, but northbound U.S. 31 traffic was backed up as it went to one lane near the accident site.
The railroad required the train to be inspected before it could be removed. After about an hour, the cars blocking the intersection were uncoupled so motorists could cross at County Road 550N while the investigation continued. The train was then allowed to continue northbound.
In addition to German Township firefighters, Indiana State Police and Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputies assisted at the scene.
