Truck accident on railroad tracks causes train delays near Washougal

Vehicle’s brakes gave out after it left quarry

(Contributed photo, provided courtesy of Sean Streeter) A double dump truck crashed onto railroad tracks at Southeast 356th Ave. and Southeast Evergreen Highway, outside the city limits of Washougal, Thursday afternoon. The driver sustained minor injuries, and there was significant railroad track damage. Ten trains were delayed, according to Gus Melonas, with BNSF Railway.

An accident involving a double dump truck caused significant damage to railroad tracks near the Washougal Pit quarry, and train traffic was delayed for several hours Thursday.

The truck driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, in Vancouver, after he was involved in the single vehicle accident Thursday afternoon, at Southeast 356th Ave. and Southeast Evergreen Highway, one mile east of Washougal.

Camas-Washougal Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Ervin said the truck driver told emergency responders the brakes in the truck gave out as the vehicle was traveling down the hill of S.E. 356th Ave. The truck, which was hauling dirt, went straight across a ditch and landed on train tracks.

BNSF Railway spokesman Gus Melonas said typically 40 trains run in that area in a 24-hour period.

Ten trains were halted Thursday afternoon, because of the accident.

“The side track was opened at 8 p.m.,” Melonas said Thursday. “The main line will be opened at 11 p.m. The truck has been removed from the track.”

East County Fire and Rescue crews and Clark County Sheriff’s Office officials also responded to the accident.

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