CRESTON, South Carolina — A CSX train has derailed in Calhoun County after colliding with an 18-wheeler.
Calhoun County emergency officials tell News19 a cargo train and a semi struck each other around 1:15 p.m. Friday afternoon.
The cargo train was crossing the tracks near Highway 6 and Creston Road when an 18 wheeler rolled onto the tracks. The truck did not move off the tracks in time and was hit by the oncoming train.
Investigators say the driver of the truck could not see the oncoming train or the railroad lights flashing because the sun was shining in his face at the time.
The driver of the 18 wheeler suffered no injuries in the crash. A conductor and engineer who were on the train during the incident were taken to hospital but are believed to be okay.
Nearly eight agencies from across Orangeburg and Calhoun counties assisted in the clean up.
Calhoun County rural/fire coordinator Jeff Price wants to remind people to keep their eyes open on the road and that safety should be the top priority. He says, "You think you can beat the train you can't in this case we got lucky nobody was killed or seriously injured but pay attention to the railroad crossing."
The scene is expected to be cleaned up fully by Saturday morning.