A Tennessee Department of Transportation worker was killed Wednesday morning when a CSX freight train hit a TDOT maintenance vehicle as it crossed the tracks on State Route 179 in Stanton, Haywood County. Emergency crews pronounced the worker dead at the scene, and officials have not released the person's name while family members are notified. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has opened an investigation into the collision.
Crossing Gates Drop As TDOT Vehicle Moves Through Town
According to a statement from the Town of Stanton, the railroad warning system activated and the crossing gates started to lower as the TDOT vehicle traveled through town. One gate arm came down onto the vehicle, which briefly reversed, then attempted to move forward again before an eastbound train struck it. The town offered its deepest condolences to the worker's family and thanked Haywood County emergency crews for their response, according to WBBJ.
Mayor: Worker Ejected, State Probe Underway
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash, and TDOT confirmed that one of its employees was killed, saying the department was “mourning the loss” of a worker, per FOX13 Memphis. Stanton Mayor Norman Bauer told reporters that the impact from the train ejected the worker from the vehicle. Authorities have not released the victim's identity while they notify next of kin and say no additional details will be made public while the investigation is active.
Highway Shut Down As Crews Respond
State Route 179 into Stanton became impassable at the railroad crossing after the crash, and officials urged drivers to use alternate routes until the roadway could be reopened. Haywood County Fire Department and EMS assisted Stanton, first responders at the scene, the town said in its statement, according to WBBJ.
Why Rail Crossings Still Turn Deadly
Highway-rail grade crossings are fitted with flashing lights, gates, and bells, but crashes still happen when drivers enter the crossing as warning systems activate or attempt to beat closing gates. As outlined in the Tennessee Department of Transportation rail report, the agency manages grade-crossing systems and works with railroads on safety upgrades across the state.
Investigators with the Tennessee Highway Patrol are still working to piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the Stanton collision and have asked anyone with information or video to contact authorities, officials said. Local leaders have said they will release more details after family notifications are complete and once the active investigation has concluded, per FOX13 Memphis.
