Police Fear Driver Dead in Florida Tractor-trailer Truck and Train Collision

Bartow, FL- Police fear that the driver of a tanker truck is dead after it collided with a train this morning.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told the Ledger, “We know there is a driver in the truck and he is missing. And there is a fire in the truck. All indications are this is a fatality.”

The tanker truck was carrying diesel fuel when it collided with a train west of Bartow, and erupted in a blaze. A witness at the accident scene said the tanker just drove in front of the train, which was carrying three cars that contain a corrosive acid, but the fire has not affected the those cars or spread beyond the tanker truck.

The train pushed the truck several hundred feet down the tracks.

Firefighter were on the scene but had to allow the blaze to burn itself out. Black smoke from the fire could be seen several miles away.

Police are trying to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Truck accident attorneys know how destructive and physically injurious these accidents can be. Their representation will make it possible for the parties involved in an accident to seek compensation for their medical care or property replacement.

Any injured person should contact an experienced truck accident lawyer in their area immediately to begin gathering evidence and building a case. Whether you are involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, tanker or other commercial vehicle, a truck accident attorney is capable of working on your case and obtaining a favorable settlement.