A truck driver is recovering after a collision with a train in Middlesex County on Monday morning that police say could have had a far more tragic outcome.
Emergency crews responded shortly after 9 a.m. to a rail crossing on Sheil Lane in Dorchester after a tri-axle truck carrying approximately 400 litres of herbicide was struck by a CN train.
The truck driver suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover.
“The good news out of this is that the driver of this truck is going home to their family,” said Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Ed Sanchuk. “They did suffer some serious injuries, but non-life-threatening, which is probably the best news I can report all day.”
Police say collisions involving trains often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Investigators are crediting the train conductor with taking action that likely prevented a much worse outcome.
“The conductor did not suffer any injuries, and I’m glad to say they’re going to go home to their families as well,” said Sanchuk. “But more importantly, that conductor took some evasive action and I have no doubt ultimately saved the life of the driver of this truck.”
The collision also prompted an environmental response after herbicide spilled from tanks mounted on the truck.
According to police, approximately 400 litres of herbicide were released, prompting officials from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to attend the scene.
Investigators remain at an early stage in determining what caused the collision at the stop-sign-controlled rail crossing.
Sanchuk urged drivers to use extra caution when approaching railway crossings, particularly those without crossing arms or active warning systems.
“If you’re operating motor vehicles, especially coming up to signals that aren’t with arm bars dropping down, but you do have stop signs, please make sure you check twice,” he said. “It’s going to save a life, even if you have to check three, four, or five times before you proceed.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and police say additional information may be released as investigators continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
