Train Vs. Truck

The name of the driver involved in the train vs. coal truck accident in Fayette County has been released.
Melvin Powers, 28, of Fairdale was transported to the hospital after the coal truck he was driving was struck by a train just before 10 a.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Coal Mountain Road and Pax Branch Road.

According to Everrett Mullins, chief of the Pax Volunteer Fire Department, the road at the main crossing leading to Pax will be tied up because of the accident involving a train and coal truck.
"Don't know who's at fault," said Mullins. "Big mess though. The road is gonna be tied up all day."
Roger DeWeiss, a street sweeper operator in Pax, says he spoke with Powers just before he was transported to the hospital.

"He told me the lights wasn't working and he didn't hear no train horn when he was coming across through there," said DeWeiss.

Sheriff Kessler with the Fayette County Sheriff's Office says Powers is being cited with failure to obey signal lights.

According to an investigation from the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, the lights were working.
"They was working as far as I can tell," said Chief Mullins. "I've always seen them working."
Kessler says Powers is lucky to come out of the wreck with his life. DeWeiss agreed saying this could have been much worse for Powers.

"I'm surprised he's living," said DeWeiss. "That truck is tore all to pieces."
Powers was transported to Plateau Area Medical Center and Kessler believes his injuries are not considered life-threatening. Powers is admitted overnight for observation.

Powers was driving a coal hauler for Coal Powers Coal, Inc. based in Fairdale.
The train that struck the coal truck was from Norfolk Southern.

Provided By: 59 WVNS News
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