High Speed Passenger Train Hits Delivery Van At Railway Crossing, Driver Killed On Impact Near Ploiesti

Ploiesti, Romania— A high-speed passenger train hit a delivery van at a railway crossing Wednesday morning, killing the driver instantly and halting rail traffic for hours.

Digi24 reported the collision happened at 10:40 a.m. at a level crossing near Blejoi, Prahova County. The van, carrying bakery products, was crossing the tracks when the InterRegio train traveling from Bucharest to Brasov approached at 110 km/h.

The train driver applied emergency brakes but could not stop. The locomotive struck the van's left side and dragged it 80 meters. The van disintegrated. The driver, 36, died trapped in the cabin. No train passengers were injured.

Railway police said the crossing has automatic barriers and warning lights. Preliminary checks show the lights were functioning. Witnesses said the barrier was lowering when the van attempted to cross. One witness said the van tried to beat the barrier.

Rescue teams from ISU Prahova and CFR emergency crews arrived within 15 minutes. They cut the wreckage to recover the body. Diesel spilled from the van's tank. Firefighters secured the area to prevent fire.

The train, with 180 passengers aboard, was stopped 300 meters beyond the crossing. Passengers were held inside for 90 minutes, then transferred to buses. CFR Calatori said delays of up to three hours affected six other trains.

Inspector Elena Dumitru said the van driver had a valid license and no prior rail violations. She said toxicology tests will be carried out. She said the train's black box and crossing logs have been seized.

Prosecutors opened a criminal case for manslaughter and failure to comply with railway signaling. The crossing will remain under observation for 48 hours. CFR said it will review camera footage from the locomotive.

The victim's family was notified Wednesday afternoon. The company that owned the van suspended deliveries for the day. Rail traffic resumed at 1:15 p.m.