U.S, Train Hits Stuck Tractor Trailer Carrying a Crane and Derails

[kellyhound]

MER ROUGE, La.
The evacuation was ordered after a train hit a tractor trailer, derailed, and began leaking argon.

It all happened at a major intersection in the Morehouse Parish Town, where Highway 165 and Louisiana 2 meet.

Hazmat crews were immediately called to the scene where the chemical was leaking and the two injured in the crash were airlifted from the scene.

"By far this is the worst one I have seen here," said Mitch Stevens.

Chief of Police Mitch Stephens says train wrecks are unfortunately not unheard of in the town of Mer Rouge.

"This is Mer Rouge, were pretty much known here for our train crashes. I believe this will be the third of fourth one in the past two years," said Stephens.

Just after one Sunday afternoon an eighteen wheeler carrying a crane attempted to cross the railroad tracks at Louisiana Highway 2. The tractor trailer bottomed out and got stuck.

"He tried everything he could to get off the crossing and the next thing you know we have a north bound train that could not stop in time," said Stephens.

The train collided with the tractor trailer but the driver, Daniel Shackelford, escaped just seconds before.

"Sixteen to eighteen cars derailed and locomotive back here is over turned, i've got another locomotive on the other side of the tracks that is derailed. It's just going to take some time to clean up," said Stephens.

The trains conductor and engineer were both injured in the crash and air lifted with serious injuries.

Homes within a half mile radius of the crash were evacuated, but around four Sunday evening residents were allowed to return.

Hazmat crews worked into the the night to secure the railcars and the Department of Environmental Quality is on scene.

One of those airlifted is in Shreveport with bad injuries, while the other is at St. Francis Medical Center and is doing okay.

[dirty ike]

Just had to throw in a selfie ----great video other than that.

[1594]

"Holy Mother of Moo-Moo..."

Fantastic video. Helped by the fact that they knew it was coming. I love the lady's narrating though, like she's documenting the start of the apocalypse or something.

[nyazzip]

i would have gotten the hell out of there on foot, no telling whats in those rail tankers

[CrunchyCripple]

Originally Posted by nyazzip

i would have gotten the hell out of there on foot, no telling whats in those rail tankers

Agreed! And I sure as shit wouldn't be rolling down the windows!

They took their sweet time getting out of there.

[commondenom]

epic!!

[LrlynJy]

the lady suspected it was being filmed by a movie. like watching tv. anyone behind?

[Shakey]

If they're having so many train crashes in that little town how about slowing the trains down a little