Train derails after striking truck in Tennessee; 2 injured

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. — Two train employees were injured in Tennessee when a train hit a semi-truck that was sitting on the tracks waiting for a traffic light to change.

Three locomotives and at least 10 railroad cars derailed in Tuesday’s crash in Collegedale, a suburb of Chattanooga. WKRN-TV reports the freight train hit a truck carrying a 134-foot (41-meter) concrete truss bridge beam that was intended to be used for a reconstruction project, according to Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesperson Rae Anne Bradley.

Two Norfolk Southern Train employees were hospitalized with minor injuries, said the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management.

The truck was stopped on the railroad tracks waiting for the light to turn green, according to the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department. Officials said when the crossing arms were activated the driver attempted to clear the tracks but was unsuccessful.

The crossing was blocked by the crash and an investigation is underway. Several agencies responded, including a team to clean up hazardous materials like leaking diesel fuel from the locomotives.