Amtrak passenger train collides with Detroit fire truck stopped on tracks

[TitsMcGee]

A Chicago-bound Amtrak train with at least 76 people aboard struck a fire truck Monday that was stopped on the tracks in southwest Detroit, causing minor injuries to several people and likely totaling the $600,000 rig.

The late morning accident resulted in a long delay for train passengers and left the partly crumpled and heavily dented ladder truck sitting at an awkward angle alongside the tracks.

Several people aboard the train sought treatment for minor injuries, according to Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari in Chicago. He said there were 72 passengers and at least four crew members aboard.

Buses were being used to transport passengers to their next stops, Magliari said.

A firefighter, who name was not released, also suffered minor injuries. He was treated at an area hospital and released in the early afternoon, Executive Fire Commissioner James Mack said.

The ladder truck had responded, along with at least one Detroit police unit, to an earlier accident just north of the tracks in the industrial area. Drivers of the squad car and truck had stopped and left their vehicles on the tracks while assisting a family, whose car had been hit by a semitrailer traveling parallel to the tracks.

A witness told police the officer and firefighter rushed back to their vehicles when they became aware of the approaching train. The squad car was moved in time.

Parking a fire truck on railroad tracks is "not recommended. Not at all," said Mack, obviously displeased by the driver's actions. "We're trained professionals. I don't think the citizens of Detroit are pleased he parked on the tracks."

Any extra cost only adds the fiscal misery of a city with a $300 million budget deficit.

The accident and ladder truck driver's actions were being investigated, Mack said.

*facepalm* Really? Isn't it COMMON SENSE to not park on train tracks?

[Fidget(+)]

there are so many more train collisions now days. I guess it's really not common sense to a lot of people. very sad.

[Rev.Reverence]

In his defense...his 'common sense'...said to him, to see if he could help a family that had been in an accident...I know, I'ld have had my mind in THAT arena...& might not even notice the train track (have you seen our roads? quite bumpy)....that said...HAHAHAHAHA!