A truck driver was injured after his 18-wheeler collided with a freight train, causing the tractor-trailer to catch fire early Wednesday in Queens, authorities said.
The truck was crossing Rust Street at Maspeth Avenue at about 12:45 a.m. when it was struck by the train, which was traveling at an estimated 10 to 15 mph, police said. The train dragged the truck down the tracks, causing the cab to catch fire, according to authorities.
The 62-year-old truck driver was able to get out of his vehicle and was taken to Elmhurst Hospital with minor injuries.
No one on the train was injured.
New Penn Motor Express confirmed one of their truck drivers was involved in the crash.
Fire officials were able to extinguish the flames.
The NYPD’s highway patrol is investigating the crash.
Local
New Penn Motor Express has been involved in 56 crashes over the last two years, federal data shows. The company has no serious violations, but there were 57 unsafe driving violations in the past two years relating to texting, failing to use a seatbelt, improper passing or speeding.
Federal Railroad Administration data shows there have been five accidents at the crossing at Maspeth Avenue and Rust Street in the last 20 years. Four years ago, another truck was hit when it stopped at the crossing, and the 51-year-old truck driver was injured, records show.
About 16 trains pass through the crossing in a 24-hours period, records show. There is a gated signal at the crossing.
