Amtrak Train Collides With Tractor-Trailer; Two...

Two people were injured after an Amtrak train carrying 178 passengers collided with a tractor-trailer at a street intersection. 

The Silver Star traveling from New York to Miami hit the tractor-trailer about 10:30 p.m. Monday, said Amtrak spokesman Dan Whitaker. 

A train engineer and one of the passengers were injured, Raleigh assistant fire chief A.E. Lynn said early today. The train also carried a 13-member crew. 

The two injured were taken to Rex Hospital in Raleigh, where one was treated and released. The engineer remained to have X-rays taken early this morning, said Whitaker. Their names were not released. 

The 13-car train smacked into the trailer and part of the truck's rig. The tractor was hauling a load of pine straw. The impact disrupted the train's electrical system and uncoupled two cars, but did not derail the train, Lynn said. 

The trailer carried the name AJF Leasing. The truck driver - identified as William Clemons, 57, of Florida - gave a statement to police but wouldn't comment to a reporter about what happened. 

Raleigh police officer Andy Murr said the brakes on the train also were damaged. Whitaker said the train would remain at the accident site. 

Several buses were traveling to the scene early today to pick up the passengers and transport them to a local community center, Lynn said. They were later expected to travel to Florence, S.C., where they would board another train heading south, according to Whitaker. 

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