Photo: Screenshot from LiveLeak
We’ve seen this one unfold before so we know what to expect. The train has mass and speed to its advantage, the semi can only hope for a very good relationship with the almighty prior to this encounter.
Whenever there’s a collision between a train and another vehicle, there really is no doubt about who’s to blame: the fact the poor train can only run on its tracks and has the right of way every time it crosses a road makes things very simple. Take into account the fact that it can’t brake effectively unless it has a mile or so at its disposal, and there really isn’t that much you can ask from a train mechanic in these situations.
The semi driver, however, has nothing to say in his defense. First, there’s the red light flashing, signaling there’s a train approaching and the gates are about to go down. There’s even an acoustic signal as well, but let’s say loud music can cover that one up.
He ignores these two signs and drives onto the rails, just in time to get caught in between the two sets of gates on each side. Bummer, but he still has some seconds until the train hits. What to do? What to do? Well, how about GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE?
I wouldn’t have blamed him if he had bailed the truck altogether, but before doing that, there was an even better option. Run those God damn barriers over, it’s not like you can make matters any worse than standing in front of a moving train. Going forward would have actually given him a chance of getting out of this with minimum damage to his truck.
As things are, it is reported that three people inside the train have died, while the train’s mechanic lost one of his legs. There’s no info on the semi driver’s condition, but considering he's able to walk out of the severed cabin, I’d say he’s fine, if a little shook up.
Another video (also posted below) shows the train pulling up at a station, still carrying the semi’s trailer wrapped around the front of its engine. From the little knowledge of slavic languages, we could make out that the train traveled for two more kilometers (a mile and a quarter) before stopping. Probably the only good news about this whole thing is that the train stayed on its tracks, otherwise things could have ended even worse. Still, three fatalities from an accident that could have been avoided on so many occasions is a sad outcome.
[LIVELEAK=http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=585_1453906863]
[LIVELEAK=http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=a30_1453957819]
The semi driver, however, has nothing to say in his defense. First, there’s the red light flashing, signaling there’s a train approaching and the gates are about to go down. There’s even an acoustic signal as well, but let’s say loud music can cover that one up.
He ignores these two signs and drives onto the rails, just in time to get caught in between the two sets of gates on each side. Bummer, but he still has some seconds until the train hits. What to do? What to do? Well, how about GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE?
I wouldn’t have blamed him if he had bailed the truck altogether, but before doing that, there was an even better option. Run those God damn barriers over, it’s not like you can make matters any worse than standing in front of a moving train. Going forward would have actually given him a chance of getting out of this with minimum damage to his truck.
As things are, it is reported that three people inside the train have died, while the train’s mechanic lost one of his legs. There’s no info on the semi driver’s condition, but considering he's able to walk out of the severed cabin, I’d say he’s fine, if a little shook up.
Another video (also posted below) shows the train pulling up at a station, still carrying the semi’s trailer wrapped around the front of its engine. From the little knowledge of slavic languages, we could make out that the train traveled for two more kilometers (a mile and a quarter) before stopping. Probably the only good news about this whole thing is that the train stayed on its tracks, otherwise things could have ended even worse. Still, three fatalities from an accident that could have been avoided on so many occasions is a sad outcome.
[LIVELEAK=http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=585_1453906863]
[LIVELEAK=http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=a30_1453957819]
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