Published: August 21, 2008 11:11 pm      

Train collides with pickup truck

Tipton man airlifted with serious injuries

TIPTON — A Tipton man is in critical condition after he was struck by a train during his early-morning commute to work Thursday.

Police say William J. Myers, 56, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet S-10 north in the 500 block of Maple Street, on the city’s northside about 3:30 a.m. when he entered the railroad crossing.

A train, operated by Norfolk and Southern Railroad, was eastbound when it hit the front driver side of Myers’ pickup. The impact caused the truck to roll multiple times, coming to a rest on its wheels.

Myers, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the pickup, said Tipton Police Chief Kevin Stiner.

Myers sustained head and abdominal injuries, as well as contusions. He was first taken to Tipton Hospital and then airlifted to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

“We didn’t see any sign of drug or alcohol abuse. We don’t know right now,” Stiner said.

Police believe Myers may not have heard or seen the train when he approached the crossing.

“It’s kind of a weird crossing,” Stiner said. “The road does a little jog right there.”

The crossing has a cross-buck sign but no warning lights because it’s located on a side street.

“We’ve had four or five wrecks [in the past few years]. Mainly people were not paying attention,” he said.

Ind. 19 was shut down for nearly three hours following the incident.

Meghan Durbak may be reached at (765) 454-8570 or via e-mail at meghan.durbak@kokomotribune.com