HAWKINS COUNTY, Tenn. — The Hawkins County Rescue Squad said no one was hurt after a train collided into a semi-truck in the area of Highway 11 East near Lautner Road in Bulls Gap, near the Greene County line.
The Hawkins County Emergency Management Agency said that there were no leaks as a result of the crash and the train remained on the tracks. The driver of the tractor-trailer was able to get out of the vehicle before the crash, according to officials.
"We ask you keep those involved in your thoughts and prayers," officials said in a post on social media.
Witness Jason Stebbins initially saw the truck stuck on the railroad tracks as he was on his way to do errands.
"Something just told me to go back, go back," Stebbins said. "Make sure they are okay."
He said he pulled up, went in to try and help get the trailer off, but he knew it was time to get off the railroad crossing immediately. He told the truck driver and three other helpers to move away.
"I said, 'Okay, well we need to get off the tracks, we need to get off,'" Stebbins said. "There's a train coming. They all looked up at me like how do you know this?"
Just seconds later, he said they turned to see the train coming just a few feet away.
Fortunately, everyone was able to get out of the way before the train crashed into the truck, and nobody was hurt.
AAA spokeswoman Megan Cooper said if you are ever stuck on the train tracks, the first priority should be to get out of your car and find a safe distance away.
"Always assume a train is on the way," Cooper said.