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Caddo SO investigating collision involving train, 18-wheeler

An 18-wheeler hauling salt water apparently failed to stop at a railroad crossing this morning and hit an oncoming train, causing it to partially derail.

The accident occurred around 9 a.m. on Preston Road at Keithville-Keatchie Road in Caddo Parish.
Samuel Leon Horton, 35, of St. Augustine, Texas, was driving the 18-wheeler eastbound when he failed to stop for the crossing. Caddo Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Gray said Horton tried to avoid the collision with the southbound Union Pacific train by going off the road to the left, but he hit the train anyway. One car on the train was knocked off the tracks, but it was empty. 

Gray said the diesel tank on the 18-wheeler was damaged and there was some diesel spillage; however, authorities are still determining the seriousness of the spill. The 18-wheeler was carrying salt water, but none spilled.

The intersection is expected to be closed for several hours while the salt water is off-loaded onto another vehicle, and the damaged tractor trailer is removed. 

Horton was checked out by fire district personnel but was not transported. The accident remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Traffic Safety and Hazardous Materials units.
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