Semi strikes train at Pasco crossing

A semi truck crashed into a moving train Tuesday afternoon at a crossing in Pasco.

The truck was apparently stopped at the crossing at Oregon Avenue and A Atreet when it began to roll forward, police said.

“The driver doesn’t know what happened, but the semi started to creep forward toward the train, broke through the (barriers) and started to get pulled down the track,” said Sgt. Rigo Pruneda.

A railroad dispatcher was at the scene on her way to work when she saw the collision, Pruneda said. The woman called and notified officials to stop the train.

Witnesses ran to the truck to help the driver, who was not injured, Pruneda said. The semi, which was hauling potatoes, was badly damaged.

Police shut down traffic in the area for a while and the train was delayed for some time.

This story was originally published October 20, 2015 at 3:03 PM with the headline "Semi strikes train at Pasco crossing."