MOUNTY VICTORY, OH (WLIO) - A semi-driver had minor injuries after his truck was struck by a train in Hardin County around noon on Wednesday.
According to the sheriff's deputies, the crash happened at the main street crossing in Mount Victory around noon today. A semi-truck driven by Richard Lavander of Ontario, Canada, attempted to drive around the crossbucks when he was struck by an eastbound train. Deputies say the force of the impact separated the semi-tractor from the trailer, and the train pushed the semi around a quarter of a mile.
The drivers of the train were uninjured, and the Lavander was taken to Hardin Memorial for treatment. The crash remains under investigation.
June 19, 2024, Press Release from the Hardin County Sheriff's Office: The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a semi-truck/trailer versus train crash that occurred on the east/west line of the CSX Railroad in Mt. Victory.
The crash occurred at approximately noon at the State Route 31/Main Street crossing. The truck driver, Richard Lavander of Ontario, Canada, attempted to drive around the crossbuck that was down to warn of a nearby traveling train. As the truck went around the crossbuck, an eastbound CSX train struck the truck. The impact separated the truck and trailer, pushing the truck approximately one-quarter of a mile east of the original impact.
Traffic is being diverted from State Route 31 until the wreckage can be investigated and cleared. Two drivers in the train were uninjured, while the driver of the truck was transported to Hardin Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.
The driver of the truck, Richard Lavander, was cited for disobeying a railroad crossing device.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Mt. Victory Fire/EMS, CSX Railroad, and Minich’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation.
