Semi-truck crash causes train derailment in Monroe County

MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A semi-truck overturned and caused a train car to derail early Wednesday morning in Monroe County, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were dispatched around 3 a.m. to Highway 83 North at Berner Loop on May 6 after receiving reports of an overturned tractor-trailer, the sheriff’s office said.

According to investigators, the semi-truck driver told deputies he saw the railroad crossing arm down with lights flashing and noticed the approaching train too late to stop. The driver said he applied the brakes abruptly and steered in an attempt to avoid a collision.

Authorities said the maneuver caused the truck to overturn and strike one of the train’s cargo cars. Preliminary investigation indicates the impact caused a train car to derail, bringing the train to a stop near Juliette Road and McCrackin Street.

The driver was identified as 44-year-old Kheino Bennett of Riviera Beach, Florida.

Bennett was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana less than an ounce, possession of drug-related objects and operating a commercial motor vehicle without a valid license or driving privileges, according to the sheriff’s office.

The derailment also affected traffic in neighboring Jones County.

In a traffic alert, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office said traffic was being redirected at the intersection of Round Oak Juliette Road and Jarrell Plantation Road because of the derailment in Monroe County. Sheriff Butch Reece said the estimated time for the road to reopen is unknown.

Highway 83 North at Berner Loop has reopened, authorities said. However, Juliette Road at McCrackin Street remains closed and drivers are being asked to use an alternate route because the road is expected to remain closed for an extended period.

The investigation remains ongoing, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.