UPDATE: Semi Struck By Train
At about 6:56 a.m. this morning, a semi attempting to cross the railroad tracks in Mentone was struck by a train at Etna Street.
The Norfolk-Southern train, an eastbound express freight, struck the southbound semi that had become stuck on the railroad crossing just south of SR 19. Sgt. Chad Hill of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department said the driver, David O. Booth, 51, of Florida, was driving the truck for D.R. Smith Trucking of Akron.
Booth was able to jump free of the cab prior to the semi being struck by the train and he was not injured.
Sgt. Hill said the collision did result in heavy damages to both the semi and engine of the train and the clean up process is extensive. As of 11 a.m., he said it could be 2 hours or longer before the scene is cleared. Broadway Street does remain open for traffic.
KCSD deputies were assisted on scene by Mentone Fire and EMS.