The Lima and Defiance posts of Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a minor injury train crash that occurred Sunday at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Ohio 15, just north of Ohio 613 in Putnam County.
Ryan W. Stover, age 52, of Piqua, was operating a 2016 Mack semi-truck pulling a tanker. He failed to maintain assured clear distance ahead and struck a down railroad crossing gate before moving an eastbound railcar being pulled by a Norfolk Southern train engine.
The semi-truck was hauling gasoline, but it was contained in the tanker, and there was no spillage.
Stover was transported to Mercy Health – Putnam County Emergency Services by Continental EMS with only minor injuries. He was treated and released. There were no injuries reported from the railroad employees.
Alcohol and drug impairment is not suspected and a safety belt was found to be in use at the time of the crash. The railroad crossing warning lights and gates were found to be in proper working order at the time of the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Continental EMS, Miller City Fire Department, Ohio Department of Transportation, Norfolk Southern, and Big Daddy’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation
