An afternoon collision yesterday brought a CSX train and a tractor-trailer to a fiery engagement in South Fulton, with the incident escalating into a near half-mile shove into Union City. Around 2:24 p.m., at the intersection of Stonewall Tell Road and Westbrook Road, the train struck a semi-truck hauling a dump truck, according to official statements. Smoke was seen billowing from the site where the train's engine caught fire following the impact, and debris was spread across the vicinity.
The South Fulton Police Department reported that two individuals within the tractor-trailer were injured during the incident, with one being seriously harmed. In an attempt to quickly assess and potentially assist the situation, onlookers rushed to the scene. Delmas Williams, witnessing the clash, told Atlanta News First, "It was just like a movie to actually see something like that.” One of the injured from the tractor-trailer was reportedly ejected from the vehicle and later received treatment prior to being transported to Grady Memorial Hospital.
Despite the drama unfolding on the tracks, no one aboard the train was injured. The CSX spokesperson confirmed the safety of the train's crew and explained that the resulting fire on the train's engine was eventually contained and extinguished by the South Fulton Fire Department. Nonetheless, the ordeal was not without its toll on emergency responders, one of whom, according to officials, sustained minor injuries during the fire-extinguishing efforts.
Khadija Jackson, who found herself in the midst of the chaos while driving, recalled the raw immediacy of the aftermath to FOX 5: "The train popped the tow truck in half," she said. Echoing her shock, another witness reported that the collision seemed to occur out of nowhere, striking with sudden force. Meanwhile, city officials, along with CSX, have begun to thoroughly investigate, not only to understand, but also to hopefully prevent such occurrences in the future.
SKYFOX 5 flew over the aftermath, capturing images of firefighters and multiple South Fulton Police Department vehicles surrounding the stoic train. The joint response from Union City Fire & Emergency Services and South Fulton firefighters ensured that the event's severity did not escalate beyond the immediate incident. Two unnamed individuals are being treated for injuries.
