VIDEO: Trains Smash Through a Dodge, Limo, and More
As This Video Clearly Shows, in the Battle of Train Versus Vehicle, Train Always Wins
You know what they say about train wrecks, right? That it’s impossible to look away? Well, that effect multiplies when you’re watching thousands of pounds of freight or passenger train plow through just about any car that has the misfortune to stop on the tracks.
Here are five epic train car crashes captured on video that you won’t soon forget.
Crash 5: Passenger Train vs. FedEx Truck in Salt Lake City
Imagine climbing onto a double-decker train and setting in for the duration of your trip, only to be startled out of your reverie by your train slamming through a FedEx tractor trailer. That’s what happened to the passengers on a Salt Lake City Train on January 25, 2017.
Dash cam footage from a police officer shows the packed passenger train tearing the FedEx truck in two without even slowing down. Road salt on icy streets was blamed for the accident, as it shorted out the track and prevented the arms from dropping.
Crash 4: Passenger Train vs. Tractor Trailer in the Czech Republic
These poor trailers can’t catch a break, can they? This second clip from the Czech Republic city of Frydek-Mistek shows a red tractor trailer being struck by a passenger train carrying approximately 80 passengers. Even though the train warning lights flashed, the driver ignored them and turned his truck directly into the path of the oncoming train.
Thankfully, no one was injured on the train, and the driver only suffered minor injuries, but just watch that train tear the poor truck to shreds. The whole trailer is ripped off, slowing the train to a stop a little farther down the track. The whole incident was blamed on drowsy driving, which is starting to become an epidemic. Even if you’re wide awake, watch out for people who aren’t.
Crash 3: Cargo Train vs. Limousine in Indiana
There’s something exciting and elegant about climbing into a limo before heading off to a party, wedding or other event. Unfortunately, when that limo gets stranded on the train tracks on the way to your event, be prepared to call a cab and get out your video camera.
That happened to some teenagers on their way to a birthday party in Elkhart, Indiana. One of the passengers tried to flag down the train with a red cloth, but there was no way the conductor was going to be able to stop 10,000 tons of freight train. The train plowed into the limo and carried it hundreds of feet down the track before finally slowing to a stop.
Crash 2: Cargo Train vs. Tractor Trailer in California
Tractor trailers show up everywhere from empty highways to city streets, but sometimes those streets prove to be too much for the trailers to handle. Such was the case for a tractor trailer in Atwater, California.
The truck got stuck on the median of the street, leaving it right on the railroad tracks. Though police officers evacuated the driver and alerted the train company, the train didn’t have enough time to stop and plowed right through the center of the tractor trailer, tearing the trailer itself open and throwing debris into the air.
Crash 1: Passenger Train vs. Dodge Truck in California
We all know to stay off the tracks when the arms come down, but what happens if the arms come down around you when you’re crossing the tracks, leaving you trapped? That’s what happened to one Dodge driver in Sacramento, California. Trying not to damage county property and back over the arms, the driver attempted to shoot forward and cross the tracks ahead of the train.
He didn’t move fast enough, though, and got broadsided by the train as it moved down the tracks, flipping him and his truck to the other side of the tracks. The truck was totaled, but in a testament to Dodge’s “Grab Life” motto, the truck protected the driver, and he walked away with no injuries.
If you’re ever in that situation, transit officials say it’s better to break the arms than get hit by the train.
Trains are awesome to watch, and while you might be unable to look away from a train wreck, staying off the track will keep you from being part of one.