Train Hits Truck Wednesday, Incident Under Investigation

Washington Police Chief Ken Hahn says a Wednesday morning collision of a truck and an eastbound freight train is under investigation.

Emergency crews responded to the Union Pacific railroad tracks near Burnside Street about 1:52 a.m. after receiving a report that the train had struck the truck.

The silver Ford Ranger was on the tracks as the train approached, said Washington Fire Department Chief Deputy Tim Frankenburg.

“The vehicle was unmanned at the time of the collision and there was no sign of injury,” he said.

Members of the Washington Police Department and Fire Department searched the area for a possible victim.

Officials believe the truck traveled off a cul-de-sac and through an area of low brush and weeds, then ran up onto the tracks. It is not known how long the truck was on the tracks before being struck by the train. There is no railroad crossing at Burnside.

Hahn said after contacting the owner of the vehicle, Charles Creech of Washington, it is believed Creech let a friend borrow the truck.

“We are attempting to contact the person who was driving the vehicle that night,” he said.