North Carolina Snowstorm Leads to Dramatic Train-Truck Collision; Driver Escapes Unharmed
GASTONIA, N.C. — A truck driver cheated death Saturday after abandoning his stuck semi-truck just seconds before it was obliterated by an oncoming freight train. The harrowing collision, captured on video, unfolded amid a historic snowstorm that paralyzed much of North Carolina with record snowfall and treacherous driving conditions.
The incident occurred near the intersection of Poplar Street and Airline Avenue, approximately one mile from downtown Gastonia. According to the Gastonia Police Department, the driver of a blue Swift Transportation truck became stuck on the railroad tracks while attempting to cross during the height of the storm.
"A semi has been hit by a train," police stated in a social media update. "This area will be tied up for quite some time. Luckily no injuries, the driver was able to get out."
Video obtained by local media shows the driver and several Good Samaritans who had rushed to help fleeing the scene as a Norfolk Southern train, blaring its horn, bears down on the vehicle. Moments later, the locomotive slams into the cab of the truck, which was not carrying a trailer at the time. The impact left the truck severely damaged but, remarkably, resulted in no injuries.
Police Sergeant Dan Lane confirmed the driver had called 911 after becoming stuck, but there was insufficient time to alert and stop the train. "Low visibility and poor traction contributed to the crash," Lane told reporters, noting the investigation remains active. The intersection was expected to be closed for an extended period for cleanup and investigation.
The collision was one of hundreds of weather-related incidents reported across the state during what officials called the most significant snow event since 2004. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein reported over 1,000 traffic collisions during the storm, resulting in at least two fatalities. He urged residents to avoid travel due to persistent risks like black ice.
"Today is a special day for North Carolina because we just don’t get snow like this very often," Stein said. "So, have fun, stay off the roads and stay safe."
Reaction and Analysis
The near-tragedy has sparked conversation about winter preparedness and railroad crossing safety during extreme weather.
"That video is a miracle on tape. It's a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can deteriorate and why the 'stay off the roads' warnings are not just suggestions," said Michael Rhodes, a former state transportation safety analyst. "The driver's instinct to get out immediately likely saved his life."
"This was an accident waiting to happen. Why was there not better signage or active warning systems at that crossing, especially given the forecast?" questioned Lisa Chen, a local community advocate. "We're lucky it wasn't a school bus or a family sedan. This close call should force a serious review of our infrastructure vulnerabilities in severe weather."
"My heart was in my throat watching it. You could see the people trying to help, the train coming... it's a miracle everyone ran in time," shared David Miller, a Gastonia resident. "It really puts the governor's warning into perspective. That could have been anyone out there."
"Absolute negligence. Between the trucking company allowing a run in that weather and the seemingly slow response to a vehicle on the tracks, this is a systemic failure," argued Sarah Johnson, a vocal transportation safety blogger. "'No injuries' doesn't mean no problem. This incident exposes a chain of poor decisions, and we might not be so lucky next time."
Authorities reiterate their emergency guidance: if your vehicle becomes stuck on railroad tracks, evacuate immediately and move away from the vehicle in the direction of the oncoming train, then call 911.