Train Hits Truck At Grade Crossing In Haverstraw

HAVERSTRAW, NY — A truck on the railroad tracks near the intersection of Route 9W and New Main Street in Haverstraw was hit by a train around 10 a.m. Thursday.

The railroad crossing will be closed until further notice, Haverstraw police said on Facebook. Drivers must use alternate routes.

The truck was a tractor-trailer making deliveries, said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. It was waiting for a traffic light at the intersection and got stuck.

"Luckily that driver was able to get out before the train struck the trailer and no one was hurt," Day said. "Drivers need to heed extra caution when traveling over train tracks and should never, ever, proceed to wait for a traffic light on train tracks. Always maintain a safe distance from the crossing gates and only cross train tracks if you’re able to safely get to the other side."

Day also thanked all the emergency responders at the incident.

"As a former police commander, I understand and appreciate exactly how much hard work is going into securing a scene of this magnitude," he said.

Rockland County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. singled out the Haverstraw Police Department in a statement.

"I want to thank the Haverstraw Police Department for its swift action this morning in making sure the driver of the truck that was caught on the railroad tracks was out of the vehicle before the train collided with it. A video of the accident shows it may not have been a survivable crash," Hood said.

"This could have been a horrific tragedy, but smart thinking and quick action, including blocking other cars and pedestrians from entering the area, prevented that outcome. I’m sure the driver of the truck and the driver of the train are shook up and I hope they’ll both be okay. Thank you to everyone who went to the scene in case there were other victims. It’s no surprise to me, and I’m sure many others, that the community really pulled together because that is what Haverstraw is all about."