Two Injured in Fiery Semi-Truck and Train Collision on Stonewall Tell Road in South Fulton, Georgia

A chaotic scene unfolded in Fulton County on Wednesday afternoon when a CSX freight train collided with a semi-truck, resulting in a significant fire and injuries to two individuals. The crash occurred around 2:24 p.m. near the intersection of Stonewall Tell Road and Westbrook Road, an area bordering the cities of South Fulton and Union City. According to officials, the semi-truck, which was hauling a dump truck, was struck by the train, immediately engulfing the truck’s cab in flames and scattering debris across the tracks. A swift, coordinated emergency response was launched by the South Fulton Police Department, Union City Fire & Emergency Services, and South Fulton firefighters. The driver of the truck was ejected from the vehicle and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital with major injuries. A passenger in the truck sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the vehicle independently. An eyewitness described the frightening scene as being “just like a movie.” The two CSX crew members on the train, a conductor and an engineer, were evaluated at the scene and confirmed to be uninjured.

Location and Infrastructure

The incident occurred at a railroad crossing where the CSX rail line intersects with local traffic near Stonewall Tell Road and Westbrook Road. This area, situated on the jurisdictional line between South Fulton and Union City, features a mix of residential and industrial traffic. At-grade railroad crossings, where roads cross directly over train tracks, are significant infrastructure points that require heightened caution from motorists. The presence of a major CSX freight line indicates regular and heavy train traffic through the community. While the specific traffic control devices at this crossing were not detailed in reports, such intersections are typically governed by warning signs, and often electronic signals, lights, and crossing gates designed to prevent these types of collisions. The multi-agency response highlights the coordinated safety protocols in place for incidents occurring on or near municipal borders in Fulton County.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Following a serious commercial vehicle and train accident, those affected may have legal rights that require careful consideration. This information is for educational purposes and is not legal advice. In Georgia, specific laws govern driver conduct at railroad crossings, including O.C.G.A. § 40-6-140, which requires drivers to stop within a certain distance of the tracks when a train is approaching. Determining liability in such a complex case can involve investigating the actions of the truck driver, the trucking company, and the railroad operator. Victims of such incidents may be entitled to seek compensation for damages, which can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. It is critical to note that Georgia has a statute of limitations, which generally allows two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Related Resources

• South Fulton Police Department: Responsible for law enforcement and accident reporting in the City of South Fulton.

• Union City Fire & Emergency Services: Provides fire suppression and emergency medical response for Union City and surrounding areas.

• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: A state agency offering resources and promoting initiatives to improve traffic safety.

• Operation Lifesaver: A non-profit public safety education program dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries, and fatalities on and around railroad tracks.

• Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.): The official compendium of state laws, including Title 40, which covers motor vehicle and traffic regulations.