Truck driver hit by train could face charges

The 60-year-old driver hospitalized Monday after a train struck his semi-trailer truck in Coralville could face charges on suspicion of crossing the railroad against the flashing lights.

The driver – who has been identified by Coralville police as Tommy Weida, of Traer – was hauling dirt along Highway 6 in Coralville, near Interstate 80, when the crash occurred, according to police.

Witnesses told investigators the truck was traveling along Highway 6 when it crossed the railroad tracks against the flashing lights and in front of a train, according to Coralville police Lt. Shane Kron.

Kron said there is no explanation in the report about why Weida might have crossed against the flashing lights.

Crews spent hours Monday cleaning up the scene. The truck was split in two, with the cab landing on the south side of the tracks and the trailer ending up on the north side.

Weida was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries, and Kron did not have an update on his condition Tuesday.

Weida has not been charged with a crime at this point, but Kron said the statute regarding “failure to obey a traffic control device at a railroad crossing” is “pretty clear.”