PORT MATILDA — A Bellefonte man was suspected to have minor injuries after the dump truck he was driving collided with a train in Worth Township around 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 2. The collision occurred on South Eagle Valley Road when, according to police, the 2020 Mack triaxle dump truck was hit on the passenger side by the northbound Nittany and Bald Eagle train. The train was transporting four loaded cars.
The dump truck was attempting to cross the tracks when it was struck by the train, according to the police report. The impact of the crash knocked the empty bed off the dump truck, pushing it 150 yards down the track.
Port Matilda Fire Company, Port Matilda EMS, Mount Nittany Paramedics, Centre County EMA, PennDOT and Eagle Towing assisted at the scene.
The driver of the dump truck was transported to UPMC Altoona for evaluation of suspected minor injuries.
According to PennDOT, in 2022, 63 crashes were reported at Pennsylvania rail crossings. Using the Operation Lifesaver program, PennDOT looks to educate both pedestrians and motorists of safety precautions at rail crossings.
Operation Lifesaver is an international nonprofit that aims to end collisions, fatalities and injuries at rail crossings and railroad rights-of-way. The program recommends to:
- Never drive around lowered train gates.
- Never race a train to the crossing. Operation Lifesaver notes “even if you tie, you lose.”
- Avoid crossing tracks that you are uncertain your vehicle will be able to clear.
- Remember the train is moving faster than you perceive it is.
- Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly.
State police are continuing an investigation into the train collision.
