NewsLocal News

Actions

Crash with train leaves pickup truck driver in critical condition

Posted at 2:22 PM, Jan 19, 2023
and last updated 2023-01-20 15:27:22-05

CACHE COUNTY, Utah — A train crashed into a pickup truck Thursday afternoon in Trenton, forcing the driver to be extricated in critical condition.

The Cache County Sheriff's Office said the crash happened just before 1:30 p.m. at 110 West 800 South in the area located just north of Smithfield.

The train was traveling along 800 South at the time of the crash. The lone man in the truck, identified as Cache County resident Gary Riddle, was taken to the hospital in critical condition for trauma care.

Officials said the train was over 100 cars, which is more than 9,000 feet long and weighed in excess of 30 million pounds. It took about half a mile for the train to fully stop, even with emergency brakes activated.

Investigators are continuing to determine what led up to the crash. The area is not one that has heavy traffic and the sheriff's office said they don't believe there are arms at the crossing to warn drivers of an oncoming train.

Upon further investigation, there are yield signs to warn vehicle drivers of the train traffic.

Officials reminded drivers to always yield and look both ways before crossing train tracks and wear a seatbelt.

Stay with FOX 13 News and fox13now.com for updates on this breaking news story.