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Accident – death – Obituary News :
Truck Loaded with Gas Containers Explodes After Colliding with Overhead Bridge in Glenville, New York
GLENVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — A devastating incident occurred in Glenville, upstate New York, when a tractor-trailer carrying gas containers collided with an overhead railroad bridge, resulting in a massive explosion. The accident took place on Thursday night while a freight train was passing over the bridge.
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The collision caused significant injuries to the truck driver and led to a temporary power outage in the local area. At approximately 6:30 p.m, the truck collided with the bridge located in Glenville, situated about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Albany. Authorities have stated that the driver appeared to have ignored the warning signs indicating a clearance height of 10 feet (3 meters).
Videos and images captured at the scene depicted flames shooting into the sky as the truck remained wedged under the bridge, dangerously close to tipping over. Local officials believe that the truck was transporting compressed natural gas containers. Fortunately, the train did not sustain significant damage and continued its journey without stopping.
Christopher Koetzle, the Glenville town supervisor, expressed his concern for potential fatalities, stating, “The first thought was ‘god forbid if there is a fatality here.’ This is something we feared for years. This is obviously the most significant hit we’ve had to our bridges.”
Koetzle further emphasized the need for increased discussion and action regarding the safety of bridges in the area.
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Interestingly, this particular bridge has been struck by vehicles on five separate occasions earlier this year, as reported by The Daily Gazette.
As a precautionary measure, authorities evacuated multiple homes near the accident site. Additionally, power outages affected most homes and businesses on the eastern side of Glenville for approximately two hours.
Efforts are currently underway to remove the truck from beneath the bridge, a task that is proving to be challenging for the rescue crews. Once the truck is successfully removed, engineers will inspect the bridge to assess any potential damage, according to officials.
The driver of the truck has been identified as a 60-year-old man from Texas. He sustained third-degree burns and was immediately airlifted to Westchester Medical Center for treatment.
Furthermore, authorities revealed that a local fire chief, who was en route to the scene of the truck crash, was involved in a separate accident. Thomas Corners Chief Dan Vlainich was utilizing his emergency lights and siren when a vehicle he was attempting to overtake made an unexpected left turn. The collision resulted in three individuals being transported to a hospital with injuries of unknown severity, according to the police.
Bridge Safety Concerns Raised Following Tragic Collision
The recent tragic incident in Glenville, New York, involving a truck colliding with an overhead bridge has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of bridges in the area. Local officials, including Christopher Koetzle, the Glenville town supervisor, have emphasized the urgent need for increased discussion and action regarding bridge safety measures.
Repeat Incidents Highlight Troubling Trend
The collision between the truck and the bridge in Glenville is not an isolated incident. In fact, this particular bridge has been struck by vehicles on five separate occasions earlier this year alone, as reported by The Daily Gazette. These repeated incidents underscore the pressing need for comprehensive solutions to address the recurring problem.
Immediate Evacuations and Power Outages
As a precautionary measure, authorities swiftly evacuated multiple homes near the accident site to ensure the safety of residents. Furthermore, due to the impact of the collision, power outages were experienced by most homes and businesses located on the eastern side of Glenville. The outage lasted for approximately two hours before power was restored.
Challenging Rescue Operation Underway
Efforts to remove the truck from beneath the bridge are currently ongoing, presenting a significant challenge for the rescue crews. The complexity of the operation requires meticulous planning and execution to ensure the safety of both the rescue workers and the surrounding infrastructure. Once the truck is successfully extricated, engineers will thoroughly inspect the bridge to assess any potential damage caused by the collision.
Injured Truck Driver Airlifted for Treatment
The truck driver, a 60-year-old man from Texas, suffered severe injuries, including third-degree burns, as a result of the explosion. He was promptly airlifted to Westchester Medical Center for immediate medical attention. Medical professionals will provide the necessary care to aid his recovery.
Fire Chief Involved in Separate Accident
In an unfortunate turn of events, a local fire chief, Thomas Corners Chief Dan Vlainich, who was responding to the truck collision, was involved in a separate accident. While en route to the scene with his emergency lights and siren activated, Chief Vlainich encountered a vehicle making an unexpected left turn, resulting in a collision. Three individuals involved in the subsequent accident were transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
The Glenville community and local authorities remain committed to addressing the bridge safety concerns and implementing necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the integrity and security of vital infrastructure to safeguard public safety.
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