SHELBY―Two individuals were injured on Friday afternoon in Richland County when their Ford F-150 pickup truck was struck by a train. The incident occurred at the intersection of Settlement East Road and Horning Road.
According to officials at the scene, the driver of the truck Dean J. Myers, age 80, of Shelby, attempted to bypass the closed gates at the crossing while a southbound train was passing. Unfortunately, a northbound train collided with the black Ford F-150 while crossing the tracks. The pickup truck was also occupied by front passenger Richard L. Burkepile of Mansfield.
Firefighter Zachary Gwirtz provided some details about the accident, stating, “The truck was traveling eastbound on Settlement East Road, and the train was heading northbound on the tracks. There was a second train that is split that kind of blocks your view. I believe he was trying to get around the gate and got hit.”
Both occupants of the pickup truck suffered injuries in the crash. One of them was transported to the hospital via MedFlight. As of now, their conditions remain unknown.
According to Operation Lifesaver, a rail safety group, Ohio ranks 9th-highest in the country for rail-related vehicle crashes, with 66 collisions reported in 2022.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident, and Shelby Fire and EMS provided emergency medical services.