A Ford Explorer SUV was struck by a train today (May 18) on Paul Maillard Road in Boutte when a tire fell off the vehicle and left it partially stranded on the tracks.
At about 7:36 a.m., the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s responded to a call about a crash involving a BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) train and the SUV, said Cpl. James Grimaldi, Sheriff’s Office spokesman.
The railroad tracks where the crash occurred are owned and operated by BNSF and is located on Paul Maillard Road, closest to Old Spanish Trail.
The 2002 Ford Explorer was traveling northbound on Paul Maillard Road from U.S. Highway 90 and was crossing the railroad tracks when a wheel came free from the vehicle, leaving it stranded and partially blocking the tracks, Grimaldi said.
Moments later, the train traveling eastbound on the railroad tracks struck the vehicle, he said.
The SUV driver, the only occupant of the vehicle, was able to get a safe distance away before the train struck the vehicle, Grimaldi said. The driver was uninjured.
The Ford Explorer received moderate damage in the crash, he said. Grimaldi said the train had what appeared to be minor cosmetic damage.
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