[1]Bystanders and pickup truck through window of steam train / Courtesy photo by Maria Castaneda
Updated 5:54 p.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – An 82-year-old motorist was injured when his pickup truck collided with the steam train in Adna yesterday evening.
The Washington State Patrol reports that Jeremy W. Mullins was traveling eastbound on state Route 6 and didn’t see warning lights that a train was approaching. The train struck the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, according to the state patrol.
Troopers and medics called to the scene near Twin Oaks Road about 6:40 p.m. found the truck totaled, according to the investigating trooper.
Members of the Chehalis Fire Department arrived first, as Lewis County Fire District 6 was just clearing a vehicle fire. They were joined by personnel from Lewis County Fire District 5.
Chehalis Fire Capt. Casey Beck said the patient was conscious and alert.
“His legs were pinned, not crushed, but we had to use the Jaws to relieve pressure and then pop the door open,” Beck said.
Mullins, from Curtis, was transported to Providence Centralia Hospital. He was treated and then transferred, according to hospital spokesperson Chris Thomas.
Beck said there were as many as 70 people on the train, none were hurt and some said they didn’t even feel the collision. The train was traveling about 12 mph, he said.
Both Beck and District 6’s Firefighter-EMT Mike Goodwillie said they were pretty certain the pickup truck had been traveling westbound when it happened.
“I think the sun got in his eyes, and he wasn’t expecting a train there,” Beck said.
The state patrol blamed the wreck on Mullins’ failure to yield the right of way.
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CORRECTION: This news story has been updated to reflect that Jeremy W. Mullins was treated at Providence Centralia Hospital and was not released but was then transferred to an unspecified facility.