CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- A taxi van was involved in an accident with a CSX train Friday night just before the New Year.
William Barrett, owner of Veteran's Cab said his driver was on his way to pick up crew members from a train on Centralia Road when somehow the van got stuck.
William Barrett and WTVR Reporter Chelsea Rarrick
"He pulled off the side of the tracks, being dark and muddy it's easy to get disoriented and the wheel got stuck to my understanding adjacent to the track," said Barrett.
The van was badly damaged, but luckily no one was hurt and the driver was able to get out safely. Police also said that no passengers were inside the taxi at the time.
"He was cool under fire," said Barrett, "he did everything by the book, I can't commend him enough because this could have been a tragedy."
While the driver didn't have any injuries, the train wasn't able to stop before smashing into the van.
However, Barrett said CSX and the contractors give employees instructions on what to do in emergencies.
"Thankfully they gave us the tools we needed and the driver executed perfectly," said Barrett.
The mangled van.
