Train vs. semi
collision sends one to hospital
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November 16, 2011 |
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Despite slow
speeds, the damage from a train-semi
collision today in Moyie Springs was
devastating, totaling the cab of the
semi and sending its driver, Ronald
Miller, to the hospital with serious
injuries. |
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A flat-bed semi entering the parking lot at the
Idaho Forest Group saw mill in Moyie Springs was
struck by a slow-moving train shortly
before noon, sending the driver of the semi to
the hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The collision occured at about 11:46, as the
semi pulled into the crossing entering the mill
into the path of a slow-moving north-bound Union
Pacific train, which was unable to stop in time
to avoid the collision.
Despite the slow speeds involved, the damage to
the semi was considerable. The semi driver,
45-year-old Ronald Miller, Superior, Montana,
was found lying on on the ground outside the
rig, and bystanders from both the mill and from
Moyie Springs quickly went to his aid, keeping
him warm and talking until a Boundary Volunteer
Ambulance crew arrived to transport him to
Community Hospital.
According to a deputy at the scene, visibility
at the crossing is limited, and one eyewitness
said it appeared the engineer of the train,
moving at less than 20-miles per hour, may have
sounded his horn too late alert Miller of the
train's approach.
"This just shows the importance of being extra
vigilant at railroad crossings," said Sheriff's
patrol sergeant Robert Goad.
In addition to the response by the sheriff's
office and Boundary Volunteer Ambulance,
personnel from the Moyie Springs, Curley Creek
and Paradise Valley fire departments also
responded to the collision, with Moyie Springs
fire chief Ken English serving as incident
commander.
The Idaho State Police was also called in to
further investigate the collision. |
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