Forty people were injured when a train derailed in Halifax County after colliding with a tractor trailer on Monday afternoon, according to officials.
The crash happened around 12:15 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 301 and N.C. Highway 903. Officials said the train involved was the Amtrak Carolinian Train 80, which was traveling northbound from Charlotte.
The train’s engine and baggage car came off the rails. The engine rolled over, coming to rest on its side. All other cars remained upright.
Amtrak said on Twitter just after 2 p.m. that they were responding to the crash, and that there were reports of injuries. Live pictures from the scene showed emergency crews treating at least two patients.
NCDOT reported that 15 passengers were taken to Halifax Memorial Hospital by ambulance and 25 by bus. Officials said all injuries appear to be minor.
Officials said 173 uninjured passengers were taken to the Halifax County Center, where buses were waiting to carry them to Richmond.
The railroad crossing at the intersection is equipped with gates and railroad-preempted traffic signals. Officials have not said how the truck was on the tracks at the time of the collision, but said several agencies are investigating.
“NCDOT is continuing to assist Amtrak with the train accident in Halifax County,” Transportation Secretary Tony Tata said. “We are relieved that there are no fatalities reported at this time, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured.”
Tata said they were in contact with Governor Pat McCrory about the incident, and added, “Safety is always our top priority, and we continue to urge everyone to use extreme caution and stay alert when crossing our railroad tracks.”
N.C. Highway 903 and U.S. Highway 301 were closed in both directions at the location of the accident, and a detour was set up, according to WRAL.