This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
North Salt Lake • A semi-trailer hauling empty petroleum tanks collided with a refinery train here Monday, resulting in one injury but no fire or explosions.
The accident occurred about 9:15 a.m. at 200 West and Center Street in North Salt Lake.
The truck was traveling west and the train was reversing toward the north along the oil refinery's rail line as it moved to switch cars, said Jeff Bassett, deputy chief for South Davis Metro Fire.
The truck cab and first tanker were not struck, but the train struck the second tanker. It overturned, and the truck or a tanker hit a power pole.
The truck driver was not injured, but an employee on the Big West Oil train was sent to Intermountain Medical Center in critical condition. North Salt Lake police Lt. Troy Johnson said the employee was on the rear of the train as it backed into the tanker and the employee appeared to have suffered a compound leg fracture.
There was no risk of fire, explosion or hazardous materials being released as the tankers were empty. Rocky Mountain Power is heading to the scene to check power lines.
No guard arms exist where the rail line crosses Center Street, but there are yield signs warning motorists to look for trains. Johnson did not know the train's speed but said it "doesn't move very fast."
Johnson said police were still investigating the accident and no citations would be issued Monday morning.
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