Train, semi collide in industrial area

CHANNAHON — One person was injured when a semi-trailer was struck by a train in Channahon Monday afternoon.

According to a Channahon Fire Protection District release, the crash took place at 24708 Durkee Road in Channahon, at Hoffman Trucking. When firefighters arrived, the semi was overturned, as was a tanker trailer it was hauling that was carrying low-hazard petroleum distillate.

The first firefighters to arrive gained access to the semi-trailer’s cab, from which the driver had removed himself prior to their arrival. The driver was treated by Channahon paramedics and transported to Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet. The driver’s condition was not immediately available Tuesday.

HazMat advisers from MABAS 15 were requested to assist with the scene. The railroad crossing at Durkee Road was obstructed until about 6:55 p.m. Monday. Crews from MABAS and responding fire departments stayed on scene to support recovery of the material in the tanker and help with fire suppression as the tanker was moved upright. They stayed on scene until about 1:45 a.m. Tuesday.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known — investigators are probing the incident. According to the release, the semi-trailer is operated by Maxwell Trucking of Channahon and the train is operated by Hoffman Transportation.

Agencies that responded to the scene included the Will County Sheriff’s Department, Will County Emergency Management Agency, Elwood Fire Protection District, Braidwood Fire Protection District, and Wilmington Emergency Services Disaster Agency’s Rehabilitation Unit.

An Elwood ambulance and Troy Fire engine provided coverage for Channahon’s Station #1.