‘Like a bomb going off’: Train crashes into semitruck hauling military vehicle

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCSC) - No one was hurt after a train crashed into a tractor-trailer that was hauling a military vehicle in Goose Creek.

The Goose Creek Police Department was notified of the crash around 12:40 p.m. Thursday on Liberty Hall Road.

A “lowboy semi-truck” was struck by a CSX train, according to CSX spokesperson Austin Staton.

Witnesses said the semi truck’s trailer got stuck on the railroad tracks and was unable to get out of the way of the oncoming train.

One witness said the driver of the semi tried until the last second to free the trailer.

“At that point, the arms started coming down, and we came out here walking real fast to try and get over, tell him to get out of the truck, and he jumped out of the truck and the train was coming. And maybe five seconds later the train hit and destroyed everything,” witness Sonya Pitt said.

Liberty Hall and Red Bank Roads were both closed as authorities worked the scene. As of 6:45 p.m., Goose Creek Police said both Redbank Road and Liberty Hall had reopened.

It is believed that the military vehicle was an M109 howitzer.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

CSX provided the following statement regarding the crash:

CSX appreciates the quick response of Goose Creek Police and Fire. ... It’s also important to note that at CSX, safety is our top priority. We’d like to remind motorist to pay attention and adhere to posted signs and warnings while approaching rail crossings.