Train vs. semi-truck accident Friday afternoon in Kent; no injuries reported

A freight train traveling at 45 mph struck a semi-truck carrying new cars Friday on a crossing at South 212th Street near 72nd Avenue South in Kent.

There were no injuries in the crash, said Kyle Ohashi, spokesman for the Kent Fire Department.

The accident occurred at about 1:15 p.m.

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe train, loaded with corn, was northbound when it collided with a truck traveling eastbound on South 212th Street. Two vehicles were knocked off the truck.

The train engine dragged one of the vehicles about one-quarter mile down the track before it stopped, Ohashi said. The crash impaled the car on the front of the train’s engine.

Initial reports from witnesses indicated that the truck driver had stepped out of his vehicle to examine a railroad crossing arm that had come down on his truck, said Gus Melonas, spokesman for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.

When the driver saw the train coming, he ran out of harm’s way, Melonas said of the unconfirmed reports.

The railroad crossing is marked with flashers and crossing arms, Melonas said.

Ohashi said one of the crossing rails appeared to be broken off.

Kent Police closed South 212th Street to investigate the accident. Burlington Northern Santa Fe officials also will investigate the wreck.

Officials have yet to determine the cause of the accident.

Nearly 200 gallons of diesel spilled from the truck. Crews contained the diesel fuel.

The train wreck had minimal impact on other trains getting through Kent, Melonas said. Trains were detoured to adjacent tracks. One track was slated to open at 5 p.m. Friday and the second closed track would be open later on Friday night. About 50 trains a day travel through Kent.

The freight train originated in Sioux City, Iowa with a destination of Interbay in Seattle. The train had three locomotives and 107 cars loaded with corn, Melonas said.