Train Collision Claims Life in Moncks Corner
A collision between a train and a vehicle at Altman Street on March 12 resulted in one fatality and a serious injury.
Authorities responded to the scene around 7:30 p.m. after a CSX cargo train halted to allow an AMTRAK passenger train to pass. Video evidence shows the AMTRAK train sounded its horn while vehicles bypassed lowered safety barriers, including a white Volvo S60 driven by 59-year-old William Foster of Moncks Corner. Foster's vehicle was struck on the driver's side.
Foster was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 15-year-old passenger sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Legal representatives for the injured passenger and Foster's estate have filed a complaint, alleging negligence against CSX. They claim the train obstructed the crossing for approximately 11 minutes, exceeding a state law that limits such delays to five minutes.
The complaint points out that prior to the collision, 12 vehicles circumvented the crossing barriers within two minutes, citing the perception of a malfunctioning warning system due to the train's prolonged presence.
CSX Transportation declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
Editor's note: Allegations in civil complaints represent one side of a legal dispute. No hearing dates had been set as of publication.