Michigan man injured in train/semi accident

10/5/2011

BRADNER, Ohio — Authorities in Wood County said a Michigan truck driver was hurt Wednesday morning after he drove his tractor-trailer into the path of an oncoming train at a crossing on U.S. Rt. 6 near Bradner.

Lawrence Esler, of Rapid River, Mich., was airlifted to the University of Toledo Medical Center, former Medical College of Ohio, after the 9 a.m. crash. Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn said Mr. Esler appeared to have leg injuries and did not lose consciousness at the scene, though officials hadn’t been able to get an update on the man’s condition.

The CSX Transportation train hit Mr. Esler’s truck on the driver’s side near the door. Authorities were still investigating why Mr. Esler didn’t stop at the crossing, which is equipped with signal lights and gates.

No traffic citations have been issued, pending completion of an investigation.