Train vs Truck, as paged

[jimmnn]

Law enforcement officials are investigating a second accident in central Weld County involving a train and a semi tractor south of Gilcrest.

The train hit the tractor-trailer broadside. The fuel tanks exploded, with the ensuing fire completely engulfing the truck. The fire is being battled by La Salle and Platteville fire departments, who were just leaving the scene of a first accident near the intersection of U.S. 85 and Weld County Road 44. The driver of that truck was freed from his vehicle nearly an hour after the accident and was taken to North Colorado Medical Center.

As firefighters were leaving the first accident, the second was reported about two miles south, or just south of Gilcrest. It is not known if the driver got out of the truck before it started burning or if anyone on the train was injured.

 

[jimmnn]

WELD COUNTY - One person is dead after a train collided with semi truck Wednesday morning.

Colorado State Patrol says a Union Pacific train was traveling southbound near highway 85 and Weld County Road 40 when it hit a semi truck driving westbound on 40.

The semi cab was dragged approximately 200 yards by the train before stopping. The driver of the semi did not survive.

Authorities say the train was carrying 107 empty coal cars. The semi was a cattle truck but no cattle were onboard at the time of the crash.

The identity of the victim was not immediately released.