Details

Created on Monday, 07 May 2018 19:33

On Monday, May 07, 2018 at approximately 8:01 A.M. Jasper County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a semi versus passenger train crash on State Road 114 at Pleasant Ridge.  The reporting party indicated there were no injuries nor train derailment. 

Upon arrival of Jasper County Sheriffs’ Deputies the investigation revealed the following information.  A 2015 Volvo semi-tractor trailer combination was being operated eastbound on State Road 114 by Zdravko Mihelcic, age 65 of Niles, Illinois.  Mihelcic was approaching the railroad crossing at State Road 114 and Pleasant Ridge. 

Just prior to reaching the crossing area the railroad warning lights and gate activated for a northbound Amtrak passenger train.  According to the semi driver’s statement, he did not observe the activated railroad gate and crossing due to sun glare.  Mihelcic was unable to stop the loaded trash hauler and actually struck the crossing gate and coming to rest on the train tracks. 

The Amtrak engineer observed the vehicle obstruction and activated emergency braking procedures, however, was unable to stop before striking the front of the Volvo semi.  The passenger train was able to stop a short distance from the crossing and contained approximately 130 passengers and 7 crew members. 

Mihelcic was cited by Sheriffs’ Deputies for Disregarding a Railroad Crossing. State Police Motor Carrier Unit was requested to inspect the semi-tractor trailer combination which was being operated by Marina Cartage Inc. of Chicago, Illinois.  The roadway and rail line was cleared at approximately 11:33 A.M. 

By Terry J. Risner Sheriff