Norfolk Southern Train Collides with Septic Truck at Virginia Railroad Crossing, Bystander Video Reveals

A freight train and a septic truck collided at a railroad crossing in Virginia last week, resulting in the destruction of the vehicle and a sewage spill at the location.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on May 14, as reported by the Chesapeake Police Department. A bystander captured video footage of the crash, showing the septic truck attempting to cross the tracks just as the approaching Norfolk Southern train collided with it.

The force of the collision sent the truck tumbling to the ground, where it overturned, causing sewage from its tank to spill out onto the scene.

According to the police department, “Preliminary findings indicate that the truck failed to stop at a posted stop sign prior to the collision.” The department shared this information in a Facebook post, noting that the investigation is still ongoing.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the truck failed to stop at a posted stop sign prior to the collision,” the police department said in a Facebook post. “This incident remains under active investigation.”

Azuriah O’Daniel, who filmed the collision, told WAVY-TV that the train conductor used a loud horn to warn the truck driver of the oncoming locomotive.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize they’re not cars. They don’t have rubber tires,” O’Daniel said. “It’s steel rails with steel wheels. When you grind those two together, that’s instant sparks.”

He noted that the crossing is private and lacks the typical warning devices used to alert drivers.

The tank of the septic truck separated from the main cabin and spewed onto the road after it was struck crossing the train tracks. (Azuriah O’Daniel via Storyful)

When police arrived at the scene, they found the overturned truck and a male driver with life-threatening injuries. The driver was listed in stable condition on Friday, WAVY-TV reported.

Authorities have not yet released his identity. No one on the train was injured, Norfolk Southern told Fox News Digital.

The train appeared to smash through the tank on the back of the septic truck as it crossed the tracks. (Azuriah O’Daniel via Storyful)

The accident caused a “minor fuel‑related hazmat situation,” police said, but there was “no immediate danger to the public.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Chesapeake Police Department.

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