Train Derails After Hitting Stuck Truck

An Amtrak train struck a tractor-trailer that was stuck on a rural crossing and derailed Tuesday morning. About 55 people were taken to hospitals, but none was seriously injured.

The Silver Star, headed from New York to Florida, slammed into the truck near Sycamore, about 70 miles south of Columbia.

The truck’s empty trailer had snagged on the raised tracks, said Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Melonie Anderson. Driver Leroy Ellis, of Fairfax, got out and tried to flag down the train, but it was unable to stop in time, Anderson said.

The train was traveling at 79 mph, Amtrak spokeswoman Debbie Hare said. Anderson said that is within the speed limit.