One injured after train collides with truck on Highway 29 in Fairburn

Fairburn train crash ignites tractor trailer fire

A CSX train plowed into a tractor-trailer stuck on the tracks along Highway 29, demolishing the cab and causing minor injuries to one person on the train, according to police.  

FAIRBURN, Ga. - A collision between a CSX train and a tractor-trailer left one person injured and sparked a fire in Fairburn on Thursday afternoon.

Highway 29 train collision

What we know:

The crash happened around 1:45 p.m. along Highway 29 near Bishop Road, according to Fairburn Police Chief Anthony Bazydlo. A tractor-trailer became stuck on the tracks as a train was approaching, forcing the truck driver to ditch the vehicle.

First responders block Highway 29 near Bishop Road in Fairburn on Thursday afternoon after a train collided with a tractor-trailer, leaving one person with minor injuries and forcing a total highway closure for an active investigation on June 25, 202

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"The truck had gotten stuck on it and he could not get cleared in time before the train was also coming at the same time," Chief Bazydlo said. "He had time to get out of the truck and get clear from the scene before the train hit the truck."

The train plowed into the semi, demolishing the cab, igniting a fire. Two people were onboard the train at the time of the collision. One person on the train suffered minor injuries. The truck driver was unhurt.

Fairburn police shared video footage of emergency crews working to put out the flames. Chief Bazydlo said things could have ended much worse. The train is "not going to stop and they don’t stop quickly. Certainly, there was the potential for loss of life in a situation like this both with the impact and subsequent fire," Bazydlo said.

First responders block Highway 29 near Bishop Road in Fairburn on Thursday afternoon after a train collided with a tractor-trailer, leaving one person with minor injuries and forcing a total highway closure for an active investigation on June 25, 202

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Fairburn track concerns

What we don't know:

Officials have not yet detailed exactly why the tractor-trailer initially became stuck on the tracks.

The impact caused diesel fuel to spill from the truck onto the scene. Police confirmed that crews cleaned up the spill and reported no hazardous materials leaks.

First responders block Highway 29 near Bishop Road in Fairburn on Thursday afternoon after a train collided with a tractor-trailer, leaving one person with minor injuries and forcing a total highway closure for an active investigation on June 25, 202

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Frederick Burns, a flatbed tractor-trailer driver, said accidents like this happen often. "It's really disturbing. There’s always a problem with tractor trailers crossing the tracks," Burns said. "Hopefully, nobody ever gets hurt."