The collision occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the Stoney Point Road railway crossing, just south of County Road 2, near the boundary between the Municipality of Brighton and Quinte West.
According to information provided by the truck operator to Today’s Northumberland, the vehicle became stuck when the wheels of its cab caught on the wooden railway crossing. The driver believed accumulated rainwater may have contributed to the problem.
After unsuccessful attempts to free the truck, the operator contacted emergency services to request that approaching trains be stopped. Unfortunately, there was insufficient time to prevent the collision.
Video circulating on social media showed an eastbound CN freight train striking the truck’s cab and throwing it into a ditch. Debris from the damaged vehicle and trailer was scattered around the railway tracks.
Brighton Fire Services, Quinte West Fire Department, Ontario Provincial Police and CN Police responded. Fortunately, nobody was injured.
The collision also disrupted VIA Rail passenger services, leaving two passenger trains stranded for hours at Cobourg station. Passengers experienced significant delays and arranged alternative transportation while awaiting updates.
VIA Rail subsequently organized alternative transportation, but the tracks reopened shortly after 3:42 p.m., allowing the delayed trains to continue eastbound.
Authorities are continuing to gather information about the incident.