| KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC -- A tractor-trailer carrying cotton collided with a train, splitting the trailer in half in Kings Mountain Friday morning. King Mountain police said the accident happened at Battleground Avenue and Oak Street around 7:30 am Friday. Witnesses say it happened in a matter of minutes. "We saw the trucker go across the tracks and got stuck, started spinning out, smoking the wheels underneath," said witness Kevin Harlow. The Norfolk Southern train hit the tractor-trailer, splitting the trailer in half and sending the cotton inside across the tracks. There were no reported injuries and no hazardous material on the train, according to a spokesperson from Norfolk Southern. The train was heading north through Kings Mountain when the accident occurred, according to the spokesperson. The Mayor of Kings Mountain said the city has decided to close that intersection temporarily since it's been the site of several accidents in the past. Locals say they want a permanent barrier put up since trucks don't pay attention to the 'No Truck Crossing' signs. Locals added they're worried someone will get killed or a major health hazard will occur. "What if it was chemicals or something else on there? It's dangerous not only for what they're hauling, too, can be very dangerous," said Bill Foster. This is the second accident this week involving a train. On Wednesday an Amtrak train hit a dump truck at NC 49 and Pharr Mill Road in Harrisburg. An Amtrak spokesperson said 31 ... |
