Train vs. semi collision sends one to hospital
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| Despite slow speeds, the damage from a train-semi collision today in Moyie Springs was devastating, totaling the cab of the semi and sending its driver, Ronald Miller, to the hospital with serious injuries. |
The collision occured at about 11:46, as the semi pulled into the crossing entering the mill into the path of a slow-moving north-bound Union Pacific train, which was unable to stop in time to avoid the collision.
Despite the slow speeds involved, the damage to the semi was considerable. The semi driver, 45-year-old Ronald Miller, Superior, Montana, was found lying on on the ground outside the rig, and bystanders from both the mill and from Moyie Springs quickly went to his aid, keeping him warm and talking until a Boundary Volunteer Ambulance crew arrived to transport him to Community Hospital.
According to a deputy at the scene, visibility at the crossing is limited, and one eyewitness said it appeared the engineer of the train, moving at less than 20-miles per hour, may have sounded his horn too late alert Miller of the train's approach.
"This just shows the importance of being extra vigilant at railroad crossings," said Sheriff's patrol sergeant Robert Goad.
In addition to the response by the sheriff's office and Boundary Volunteer Ambulance, personnel from the Moyie Springs, Curley Creek and Paradise Valley fire departments also responded to the collision, with Moyie Springs fire chief Ken English serving as incident commander.
The Idaho State Police was also called in to further investigate the collision.