Traffic advisory
Main Street reopens after train-tractor trailer collision
6:26 p.m., Nov. 9, 2012--Main Street between South College Avenue and Hillside Road has reopened after being closed more than three hours because of a collision this afternoon involving a CSX freight train and a tractor trailer.
The roadway and rail crossing were reopened at approximately 5:30 p.m., but Newark Police urge motorists to use caution as they pass through the area as CSX personnel make repairs to a crossing signal damaged during the collision.
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According to Newark Police, the collision occurred shortly before 2 p.m., Nov. 9. The driver of the tractor trailer was making a delivery at a restaurant on West Main Street, just east of the crossing. The driver had just entered into the tractor trailer after making the delivery when the train signal crossings activated due to an approaching westbound CSX freight train. The crossing arms lowered onto the trailer, and the driver attempted to drive the truck forward and away from the crossing. As the tractor entered onto the railroad tracks, it was struck on the passenger side of the cab by the front of the freight train.
The driver of the tractor trailer was trapped inside the vehicle for about 20 minutes while rescue personnel from the New Castle county Paramedics and Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder extricated him from the vehicle. The driver, identified as Joseph C. Mounts, 42, of Felton, Del., was taken to Christiana Hospital for head and internal injuries. Police report he currently is listed in critical condition.
The investigation into the collision is ongoing.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Cpl. Thomas Smith at 302-366-7110, ext. 450 or thomas.smith@cj.state.de.us. Anonymous tips can be texted to 302NPD, with the message to TIP411. Information also can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or www.tipsubmit.com, where a reward may be available.