James and Lyle Covinton Injured in Truck/Train Crash on Merchant Street in Emporia, KS
Emporia, KS — June 6, 2022, two people were injured when a train crashed into a semi-truck on tracks across Merchant Street in Emporia.
According to reports the incident happened around 12:25 p.m. on the 300 block of Merchant. Preliminary investigation suggests the Volvo 18-wheeler was trying to reverse into the nearby Evco Wholesale Food Corp. lot. It was facing south on the railroad tracks when the crossing arms came down and reportedly didn't move before the train passed through and hit the cab.
The truck driver and passenger, 66-year-old James Covinton and 69-year-old Lyle Covinton, were injured in the wreck and were taken to an area hospital. No other injuries were reported.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on James and Lyle Covinton Accident on Merchant St in Emporia
With situations like this, it's easy for folks to jump to conclusions. After all, there aren't many ways a train hits a truck without the truck being at fault. However, it's always important to make sure the whole story is known after just about any crash.
As unlikely as some factors may be, they still need to be investigated. Were the rail crossing's arms or signals defective somehow? Why didn't the truck move when the arms came down? Did the truck bottom out or get stuck? If so, was there any warning signage about that possibility? Did anything block the driver's view of the approaching train? Did anything go wrong with the truck that led to it being inoperable at a very bad time?
When the victims have recovered a little maybe they can shed some light on what happened here. In the meantime investigators should be comprehensive. As I said, it's not about what is or isn't likely. It's about making sure the truth is learned and the victims get the help they deserve.
