Pickup Truck Struck By Freight Train Near Selma

SELMA, N.C. — A pickup truck towing an enclosed trailer was struck by a freight train late Monday night after the driver turned onto railroad tracks near Selma.

The collision occurred around 11 p.m. at the Lizzie Mill Road railroad crossing.

According to preliminary information, the pickup was traveling in the area when the driver mistakenly turned southbound onto the railroad tracks. A northbound CSX freight train was unable to stop before colliding with the vehicle.

The driver was able to get out of the pickup before impact and escaped with minor injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Authorities said impairment is believed to have been a factor in the crash. The driver is expected to face several charges.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the collision and has not yet released the driver’s name pending completion of its accident report.

The train did not sustain any reported damage. After an inspection by railroad personnel, the train was cleared to continue to its destination.

The collision temporarily disrupted rail traffic through the area. Several freight trains, along with an Amtrak passenger train, were delayed while crews worked the scene and removed the damaged vehicle from the tracks.

Rail traffic resumed around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.