Big rig wreck with train caught on cam

LYNDONVILLE, Vermont (NBC/WPTZ) - A gas station in Vermont is still picking up debris after an 18-wheeler collided with a train and crashed dangerously close to the store's diesel pumps.

The dramatic accident was caught on tape.

“It doesn't happen here. This is what you see on TV,” said store manager Danielle Altman.

A collision of metal, wheels and flying papers was the scene that played out in front of Altman's eyes.

"I looked out the door just in time to see the back end of the truck come flying down the tracks,” said Altman.

Caught by surveillance cameras at M&M Beverage, a tractor trailer carrying recoiled papers sped through flashing train signals, smashed into a train and skidded along Route 5 in Lyndonville.

Police, firefighters and town crews responded.

"When I arrived on scene, I found a 53-foot box trailer split in half,” said Police Chief Jack Harris.

The back of the truck was ripped off by the engine, spilling its load of papers. No one was injured, but the trailer came dangerously close to M&M’s diesel pumps.

"Luckily, the pitch of their driveway kept the truck from hitting the pumps,” said Harris.

"And it is scary because that would've created a huge explosion, and I mean, it would've been a nightmare for us,” said Altman.

The truck driver claims he didn't see the flashing signals because he was distracted by another car, but after watching the surveillance tape police say they can't see anything that might have taken his attention away from the road.

"There was nothing right in his vicinity that would’ve distracted him,” said Harris.

"He didn't even slow down and yield. He didn't look; he didn't. He just barreled right through,” said Altman.

Altman can breathe easy knowing her place of business is safe, but Harris sees this as a warning for future drivers.

"It's up to the people to pay attention to the lights and try and not beat the train because it doesn't always work,” said Harris.

Luckily, there were no injuries reported.

The truck driver was issued a ticket for the crash by the Vermont DMV.