The train's engine was approximately 30 cars past the crash site before it could fully stop the train, which was estimated to be traveling at 30-35 MPH.
(CANBY) - At about 5:40 PM, Canby Firefighters responded to a report of a car hit by a train at 99E and S. Barlow Road.
The first arriving emergency vehicle was Aurora Fire Chief Rod Yoder, who was driving by the accident scene, and was flagged down by the vehicle's driver. The Chief immediately called for Fire, EMS, and Police resources, and then put the non-injured occupant in his vehicle and waited for assistance.
When Canby Fire Units arrived they transferred the shaken driver into their medic unit to further evaluate him. The 72-year old gentlemen from Aurora told the firefighters that he was turning from S 99 E onto Barlow Road and misjudged the road because of the heavy rains and dark conditions. He apparently started to cross the railroad tracks and his vehicle became stuck, or high centered on the tracks.
Seeing the train approaching, he fled his vehicle and attempted to flag down and alert the train…but it was too late. The 5000 foot long, 78 car, Union Pacific train.
Union Pacific Conductor Ken Robertson said they applied their emergency brakes, but the train could not possibly stop before hitting the victim's vehicle. The train's engine was approximately 30 cars past the crash site before it could fully stop the train, which was estimated to be traveling at 30-35 MPH.
As the train impacted the vehicle, the driver said he could see his Mazda pickup fly past him. The pickup landed approximately 50 feet beyond the point of impact, landing on its side.
Canby Firefighter Tighe Vroman said, "We got lucky twice tonight. Once when he was able to get out of his pickup and off the tracks, and a second time, when he didn't get hit by his vehicle as it literally flew past him."
The gentleman was a bit anxious after the accident, so Canby Firefighters gave him a ride home and transferred his care over to his son.
"I guess this crash should serve as a reminder of how your visibility and perception can be effected when it's raining as hard as it was tonight," said Firefighter Vroman.
The accident is being investigated by OSP and Union Pacific Railroad.
Aurora Man Safe After Train Crashes Into His PickupSalem-News.com