SAN ANTONIO — No injuries were reported after an 18-wheeler tractor-trailer carrying band equipment for a Leander high school collided with a train on Monday afternoon.
San Antonio Fire and EMS units responded to the scene around 2:38 p.m. near Carolina Street and Hoefgen Avenue reports of a train that hit an 18-wheeler.
The San Antonio Police Department said the 18-wheeler was stuck on the railroad tracks due to a malfunction as the train was passing through and the two collided. The train was traveling at a slow speed and the driver and passenger were able to get out of the truck unharmed.
The train dragged the truck about 200 yards down the track and split the trailer in half, officers said.
Police said the truck was carrying band equipment for a school going to a band competition. Union Pacific responded to the scene and will coordinate with the school on unloading the equipment before taking the trailer.
School officials with Leander Independent School District confirmed a Vandegrift High School tractor-trailer was involved in the collision. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) has agreed to let the school compete later in the evening at the state competition.
Other high school band communities, including Northeast ISD, have stepped in to help lend instruments while the equipment is being inspected and unloaded.
“It is truly humbling to see this community of high school musicians pull together to support one another,” the district said in a statement to News 4 San Antonio/Fox SA.
Vandegrift High School Principal Charlie Little said most of the instruments are intact and the main damage was to the tractor cab, in a school message.
Comment with Bubbles
JOIN THE CONVERSATION (1)
Police said no one was injured in the collision. No students were present during the accident, district officials said.