BNSF Railway train hits Amazon delivery truck in Vancouver

A BNSF Railway train struck an Amazon delivery truck crossing tracks Thursday morning on Southeast Evergreen Highway in east Vancouver.

Medics, police and firefighters responded at 11:22 a.m. to 17317 S.E. Evergreen Highway for a report of a major incident involving a train. The scene of the crash was closer to 17301 S.E. Evergreen Highway, where a private drive intersects train tracks.

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said an eastbound train carrying 107 loads of grain was traveling about 40 mph as it approached the crossing, which has stop signs and railroad crossing warning signs. The train’s crew spotted the delivery truck, sounded the horn and pulled the emergency brakes to try to avoid a collision.

But the train crashed into the vehicle, causing the Amazon truck to spin 180 degrees, Melonas said.

Spokespeople for both the Vancouver police and fire departments said no one was injured. A fire engine that was dispatched was recalled.

“The train is stopped, and the driver of the delivery truck is out walking around,” Vancouver police spokeswoman Kim Kapp said Thursday.

The crew on the train was also uninjured, Melonas said.

BNSF Railway investigators responded and determined the train tracks had not been damaged. The lead locomotive of the train was damaged; it has been isolated for repairs in Vancouver. None of the grain was spilled or damaged.

The tracks were shut down until about 1:10 p.m., which delayed two trains on a line that gets about 35 trains daily, Melonas said.

The railway company is continuing to investigate the crash.