Driver dies after his truck was struck by a train

Authorities in Tennessee say that a truck driver lost his life today after a train crashed into his truck.

The crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, in Soddy-Daisy, which is near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

BREAKING: A @THPChattanooga spokesman has just confirmed that the truck driver whose tractor trailer collided with a train in Soddy Daisy this morning has died. I’ll have more details coming up at noon on @WRCB. pic.twitter.com/GIZJjLnZpD

— Joi Dukes WRCB (@JoiDukesTV) January 16, 2020

The truck was reportedly traveling east on Daisy Dallas Road at Hixson Street when it became stuck on the railroad tracks.

WDEF reports that the unidentified truck driver was outside of his vehicle apparently trying to free it from the railroad tracks when a southbound Norfolk Southern freight train approached, striking the truck.

The train strike left the cab on one side of the tracks and the trailer on the other side.

The truck driver died as a result of his injuries.

Norfolk Southern released a statement following the crash:

At Norfolk Southern, the safety of our employees and the communities we serve is our number one priority. Norfolk Southern advises motorists and pedestrians to stay alert around railroad tracks, and to be mindful of all warning signs and signals at railroad crossings.”

Tennessee Highway Patrol Lieutenant John Harmon said, “The Tennessee Highway Patrol along with all local law enforcement and first responders want you to always, if you are crossing railroad tracks , and your vehicle, for an unknown reason is stopped on that tracks, immediately leave your vehicle.”

The incident remains under investigation.