- Newark Police photo
The Newark Police Department Traffic Division continues to investigate a traffic collision involving a CSX Freight Train and a tractor trailer , shortly before 2 p.m. on Friday.
A preliminary investigation indicated the driver of the UPS Freight tractor-trailer was making a delivery at a restaurant on West Main Street just east of the rail crossing.
The truck and trailer were parked on the sidewalk just east of the crossing. The driver had just entered the cab of the tractor after making the delivery when the train signal crossings activated due to an approaching westbound CSX freight train.
At that time the crossing arms lowered onto the trailer. The driver attempted to drive the truck away from the crossing. As the tractor went on the railroad tracks, it was struck on the passenger side of the cab by the front of the train.
The driver of the tractor trailer was trapped inside the vehicle for about 20 minutes while New Castle County Paramedics and the Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder extricated him from the vehicle.
The truck driver has been identified as Joseph C. Mounts, 42, of Felton, DE. He was transported to Christiana Hospital for head and internal injuries. He was listed in critical condition.
The roadway and rail crossing were reopened for traffic at around 5:30 p.m.. Motorists were urged to use caution as they pass through the area as CSX personnel make repairs to a crossing signal damaged during the collision.
The investigation into this collision is ongoing. Anyone with additional information about this incident should contact Corporal Thomas Smith at 302-366-7110 ext. 450 or thomas.smith@cj.state.de.us
