On Jan. 31 in Gastonia, N.C., a Swift Transportation tractor became stuck on railroad tracks during a major snowstorm and was struck by a Norfolk Southern train after the driver escaped the cab seconds earlier. No injuries were reported. Authorities cited low visibility and poor traction as contributing factors and closed the intersection while investigating. The collision occurred amid a record storm that produced heavy snowfall statewide and more than 1,000 traffic crashes.
Truck Driver Jumps Clear Seconds Before Train T-Bones Semi During Fierce North Carolina Snowstorm
A semi-truck was hit by a train in Gastonia, North Carolina on Saturday, Jan. 31Gastonia Police Department/Facebook
A Swift Transportation tractor was struck by a Norfolk Southern train after becoming stuck on railroad tracks in Gastonia, North Carolina, on Jan. 31, during a powerful snowstorm. The truck's driver climbed out of the cab moments before the collision and was not injured, authorities said.
What Happened
The incident occurred near the intersection of Poplar Street and Airline Avenue, roughly a mile from downtown Gastonia, as heavy snow reduced visibility and made roads slick. According to the Gastonia Police Department, the tractor unit stalled while attempting to cross the tracks. The driver called 911 and escaped the cab just seconds before the oncoming train struck the vehicle.
A semi-truck was hit by a train in Gastonia, North Carolina on Saturday, Jan. 31Gastonia Police Department/Facebook
Police shared photos showing a heavily damaged blue Swift Transportation tractor pressed against a locomotive. The truck was not hauling a trailer at the time of the collision. Dramatic video obtained by WHAS-11 and recorded by Jesus Gutierrez shows the driver and bystanders fleeing as the train, sounding its horn, plows into the rig.
Response and Investigation
Gastonia police and first responders closed the area for an extended period while clearing the scene and investigating the crash. Sgt. Dan Lane told reporters that the driver dialed 911 after becoming stuck but there was insufficient time to stop the train. The department posted on Facebook that the area would be “tied up for quite some time,” and confirmed there were no injuries.
A semi-truck was hit by a train in Gastonia, North Carolina on Saturday, Jan. 31Gastonia Police Department/Facebook
Authorities urged drivers who become disabled on railroad tracks to call 911 immediately so dispatchers can alert rail operators and attempt to halt approaching trains.
Storm Context
The collision occurred amid a record winter storm that blanketed much of North Carolina, producing hazardous driving conditions statewide. Some areas reported more than 20 inches of snowfall — the largest event since 2004, officials said. Gov. Josh Stein said the storm produced more than 1,000 traffic collisions across the state and at least two fatalities, and warned of ongoing risks from overnight freezing and black ice.
“Today is a special day for North Carolina because we just don’t get snow like this very often,” Gov. Stein said. “So, have fun, stay off the roads and stay safe.”
The crash remains under active investigation by local authorities. People seeking updates were told to contact the Gastonia Police Department for the latest information.
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