The driver of a truck that was struck by a train Saturday night crash in Luling was hospitalized and treated for broken ribs and a collapsed lung among other injuries, according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The train hit the Silverado truck of Richard Tetreault, 54, after he allegedly drove through the railroad crossing arm guard in an attempt to beat the oncoming train. The train collided with the truck and pushed it approximately 1,500 feet southeast of the Davis Drive crossing before the train came to a stop.
The train engineer was also examined and treated for minor injuries as result of the crash.
Tetreault was cited in the incident, police say.
The crash occurred about 7 p.m. on Saturday on the Union Pacific railroad tracks at the Davis Drive crossing near River Road. It led to the temporary closure of a roadway as the investigation unfolded.
The Sheriff’s Office said the railroad crossing arm guard was properly functioning at the time of the accident.
In a message to the community following the incident posted to Facebook, St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne urged commuters to understand the dangers of failing to abide by crossing signals.
“By taking the chance and driving through a railroad crossing guard, you are risking your life and potentially the lives of hundreds or even thousands around you,” Champagne said. “When a train crash occurs, there is the potential for derailment … you also take the chance of causing damage to the railroad cars that often carry hazardous materials, corrosive chemicals and flammable gasses.”
Champagne said beyond the dangers involved, those who neglect to follow the crossing rules will be cited and fined.
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