Update: Train Collides With Dump Truck in Goshen

November 21, 2011- An update to the accident that happened Monday between a freight train and a dump truck, northwest of Goshen, within minutes of Visalia.

The MD Concrete Cutting & Demolition truck driver has been identified as Victor Valdez.

The crash also damaged the train tracks, besides the damage to the San Joaquin Railroad freight train's damages.

Officials reported that the truck was heading south on Road 60 at about 55 mph as it approached the tracks. While the train was eastbound at about 20 mph on its way to Exeter.

The train’s crew blew the horn as it approached the intersection. But Valdez clamed to have only seen the train at the last second.

Both vehicles tried to brake, but with the size of the vehicles they were not able to stop in time. Valdez swerved to the left, off the road, but with the truck’s speed, it still veered across the train tracks about 35 feet from the road, where the train slammed into the truck and trailer it was hauling.

Valdez suffered major injuries. He was taken to Kaweah Delta Medical for treatment.

Another accident occurred at this same intersection in June. A woman, Debbie Felix, was killed when her car was hit by a train.

Our expert engineers stand ready to continue their investigation of this unsafe area. Please give us a call. We are located in Visalia just miles from the scene of the collision. Attorney John Rozier 559-713-0159.

Train Collides With Dump Truck in Goshen

November 21, 2011- A train and a dump truck crashed at an unprotected railroad crossing, near Goshen, 10 minutes from Visalia. The accident happened at about 2:10 PM.

The truck, which was carrying a Bobcat tractor on a trailer, was southbound on Road 60, when it collided with the San Joaquin Railroad freight train that was traveling east on a track paralleling Avenue 308, west of Highway 99.

The CHP have reported that the truck’s driver failed to make a complete stop before crossing the tracks. The train stuck him at the rear of the truck and pushed the MD Concrete Cutting dump truck 100 feet before it was able to stop.

Three or four cars and the engine came off the tracks, but did not topple over. And about 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel leaked from the train.

A hazmat team was called in to get rid of the fuel. And a crane was used to remove the truck from the train tracks.

The 25 year old driver of the truck suffered moderate to major injuries in the crash. He was taken to Kaweah Delta Medical Center.

It is reported that this is second accident to have happened at the same crossing in the past few months. A 31 year old woman, Debbie Felix, died in June, when her car was hit by a train.

Our expert engineers stand ready to continue their investigation of this unsafe area. Please give us a call. We are located in Visalia which is just minutes from the scene of this accident. Attorney John Rozier 559-713-0159