Truck stuck on tracks hit by train, rams into house

The driver blamed his GPS for directing him to a street that doesn’t exist.

By the MVI

A large numer of emergency responders were called to train tracks in West Newton Thursday as a box truck hit a building after being struck by a train.

The incident began at 5:30 a.m. with a call reporting that the truck was stuck on train tracks.

The driver of the truck said he wound up on the tracks because his GPS continually told him to turn, according to West Newton Mayor Mary Popovich.

The box truck became stuck and the train wasn’t notified in enough time to stop.

Popovich said it’s an ongoing issue where GPS tells a driver to turn onto First Atreet, but there is no street.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time it’s happened,” Popovich. “And luckily no one was injured. But we have to figure out a way how we can make this stop.”

Officials are considering putting up a sign as the first step in the process.

After the train hit the truck, it was knocked into the back porch of a home where two people were asleep inside.

They were able to make it out safely, and no other injuries were reported.

Emeregency responders said if motorists get stuck on tracks or there is an issue with the railroad crossing, look for a blue emergency notification sign. Then call the phone number on the sign and report the problem or emergency quickly to railroad officials.