**Collision Details**

* **The Cause**: The semi-truck (which was not hauling a trailer at the time) became **immobilized and "high-centered"** on the railroad tracks due to low traction and heavy ice and snow accumulation.
* **The Impact**: Despite the driver calling 911, there was not enough time for dispatchers to alert the train. The train slammed into the cab at high speed, ripping the [engine out of the truck](https://www.facebook.com/GDNOnline/posts/a-train-smashed-into-a-semi-trailer-after-it-became-lodged-on-snow-covered-track/1337380561768650/) and throwing it nearly 30 feet.
* **Momentum**: The train continued to push the remains of the cab nearly **half a mile** down the tracks before finally coming to a stop.
* **Casualties**: Miraculously, the driver escaped the cab just **three to five seconds** before the impact. There were no injuries reported among the truck driver, train crew, or the 150 passengers on the train.

**Response & Safety Education**

The [Gastonia Police Department](https://www.facebook.com/GastoniaPoliceDepartment/videos/incredible-new-video-of-the-freight-train-hitting-a-semi-take-a-moment-to-watch-/1573530507260453/) has since released dramatic [surveillance and bystander footage](https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/gastonia/train-track-safety-gastonia-3-4-2026/275-cc99a76a-3e3e-4b40-9699-ef8c1af3eacd) of the incident to serve as a safety lesson. 

* **The "Blue Sign"**: Authorities emphasized that drivers stuck on tracks should first look for the **blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign** located at every crossing.
* **Direct Contact**: Calling the number on that sign connects directly to the railroad dispatcher, who can radio engineers to stop oncoming trains much faster than a standard 911 call. 

On January 31, 2026, a Norfolk Southern freight train collided with a Swift Transportation semi-truck in Gastonia, North Carolina, during a historic winter storm. The collision occurred at the intersection of Poplar Street and Airline Avenue approximately one mile from downtown Gastonia.