Train slams into truck in Locust Grove, shuts down parts of Ga. 42

Henry County Police Captain Mike Ireland said a tractor-trailer was stuck on the railroad crossing at Ga. Highway 42 and Bowden Street. The vehicle was not able to exit the tracks in time, but the driver was able to leave the vehicle before the train approached.

No injuries have been reported.

Ga. 42 between Bill Gardner Parkway and Peeksville Road in Locust Grove is closed at this time and motorists are urged to avoid the area if possible.

Locust Grove and Henry County police officers are currently on scene with both the train operator and the truck driver. Locust Grove Police Chief Jesse Patton told the Herald any investigation into the cause of the crash will be conducted by the railway police.

Local law enforcement is now working to redirect traffic from the crash site.

"Everything's pretty much closed at this point," Patton said. Traffic is being diverted onto the Tanger Boulevard extension and Bill Gardner Parkway.

"If everybody for the next couple of hours could avoid the area, that would be great," he said. He expects clean up efforts will stretch into the late afternoon.

UPDATE: Both directions of Ga. 42 were reopened as of 1:45 p.m. The train has been moved, but workers are still clearing the remnants of the trailer debris at Bowden Street. Motorists are advised to still use caution in that area.