ATLANTA, Ga. — A truck driver is unaccounted for after a fiery crash with a train in southwest Atlanta on Friday morning.
It is the second crash involving a train and a semi truck in two days.
In the overnight hours on Friday morning, a Norfolk Southern train crashed into a semi truck near where Sylvan Road crosses over the train tracks, an area south of downtown that includes several at-grade rail crossings.
The collision caused the truck cab to catch fire and left extensive damage to the trailer, according to media reports.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze, but officials reportedly have not located the driver and do not know the extent of that person’s injuries, according to a report from WSB radio. Fox 5 television in Atlanta reported that it is unclear why the driver was not at the scene.
Officials temporarily suspended MARTA service on the Red and Gold lines because the tracks pass directly above the accident scene. A bus bridge was put in place while inspectors assessed the support columns.
WSB reported that inspectors later cleared the structure, and MARTA has fully restored service on the Red and Gold lines.
The crash also caused disruptions and closures on several roads in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood, including portions of Sylvan, Lee and Murphy roads.
Officials say no hazardous materials were involved in the crash.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
