An oncoming freight train collided with a semi-truck carrying a mobile artillery vehicle in Goose Creek, South Carolina, on Thursday, causing significant damage to the street crossing and halting traffic in the area.
An oncoming freight train smashed into a semi-truck carrying an M109 Paladin Howitzer mobile artillery vehicle in Goose Creek, South Carolina, on Thursday afternoon, resulting in extensive damage to the street crossing and disrupting traffic.
Eyewitness Jennifer Clinton captured the dramatic incident on video as she and her son drove nearby. "My son's a little shook up, but yeah, we're okay," Clinton told Fox News Digital, describing the crash as "devastating to see" in person.
Train Crashes into Mobile Artillery Vehicle in South Carolina
The 18-wheeler reportedly became stuck while attempting to cross the railroad tracks, leaving the massive mobile artillery vehicle vulnerable to the oncoming train. The impact of the collision caused significant damage to both vehicles and sent debris flying.
The freight train came to a halt after colliding with the military vehicle, while the semi-truck remained lodged on the tracks. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene to assess the situation and clear the wreckage.
Portions of the road were closed for several hours due to the extensive damage sustained by the intersection. Officials worked to repair the mangled tracks and remove the damaged vehicles.
According to Goose Creek Police, no injuries were reported in the incident. However, a man who was seen running out of the truck after the crash declined medical treatment. Authorities have not yet identified the unit to which the Howitzer belongs or released an estimate of the total damage.
The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, and officials are determining whether the semi-truck driver's attempt to cross the tracks despite the oncoming train contributed to the collision.
"I was driving with my son when we saw the truck get stuck on the tracks," Clinton recounted. "We slowed down and started recording because we knew something was going to happen."
She continued, "The train was coming so fast, and it hit the truck so hard. It was like something out of a movie. The truck was thrown into the air, and the train derailed. It was terrifying."
Clinton expressed her relief that no one was seriously injured in the crash. "We were lucky to be okay," she said. "I can't imagine what it would have been like if we had been hit by the train."
The train crash caused significant disruptions in Goose Creek, a suburb of Charleston. Traffic was diverted from the affected area, and local businesses were closed for the day.
Residents expressed concern about the potential safety hazards posed by the damaged train tracks and urged officials to address the issue promptly.
"This is a major intersection, and it's dangerous when the tracks are blocked," said resident Mary Jones. "I hope they can fix it as soon as possible."
Officials have promised to prioritize the repair work and ensure the safety of the community.
The investigation into the train crash is still ongoing, and officials are working to determine the exact cause of the accident. They are also reviewing safety protocols at the railroad crossing to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has raised concerns about the potential risks associated with transporting heavy military equipment on public roads. Authorities are evaluating whether additional safety measures are necessary to protect the public and prevent future collisions.
