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A semi tractor pulling a trailer containing three pontoon boats and motors and other marine supplies was struck by a northbound train in Leesburg around 7:30 a.m. today. In the above photo the semi pulling the boats came to rest at the Van Buren Street intersection.The driver of the semi, Charles A. Cloud II, Elkhart, told police he was taking a detour through Leesburg because of construction on Ind. 15 when the trailer became stuck on the tracks after he made a sharp turn at the Van Buren Street crossing. The driver called police to tell them his rig was stuck on the tracks. Police contacted Norfolk Southern officials who reached the train’s engineer. The engineer said he saw the trailer and was braking, but could not stop in time to avoid a collision. Damage to the train and semi tractor was minimal, but the trailer and cargo were heavily damaged. Also damaged were signal arms and the controller cabinet at the crossing. There were no injuries. The accident caused both crossings in Leesburg to be blocked as crews cleared the scene. Photo by Gary Nieter.
