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Train Crash In West Virginia Leaves One Dead

By Dan Evon
Published on: 10:49 PST, Oct 11, 2013

A collision between a logging truck and a tourist train in West Virginia has left at least one person dead.

According to Fox News, the truck driver was killed and nearly 60 train passengers were injured this afternoon along U.S. Route 250.

The passengers were on a scenic foliage tour when a logging truck crashed into the side of the train. The Pocahantas Times identified the driver of the truck as Danny Kimble.

Several cars derailed during the incident. One was knocked completely on its side while another came to rest at a 45 degree angle. More than 60 people were injured in the crash including three who are now in critical condition.

Emergency services director Jim Wise said that 21 people were taken to the hospital via ambulance. Another 45, who suffered minor injuries, were transported by bus.

The exact cause of the crash has not been determined. Officials said that visibility was clear at the time of the crash.

The tourist train, the Cheat Mountain Salamander, was operated by West Virginia Central Railroad in Elkins.

Sandy Burky, director of passenger services at Durbin Greenbrier Valley Railroad, said that West Virginia has become a tourist attraction because of trains like the Cheat Mountain Salamander.

Burky said: “They are getting taken to the hospital just so everybody can get checked out… It is a tragedy because there is a lot of tourism that is brought to West Virginia because of this company. It is just unfortunate.”

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