Man arrested for causing derailment of train cars

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SALEM - Police arrested Gary D. Smith, 57, of 295 1/2 Rose Ave., for disorderly conduct for causing the collision and derailment of two Norfolk Southern trains in Salem Wednesday night.

Police Chief Robert Floor said Smith's conduct "created conditions of risk to himself and others" and he expected more charges from Norfolk Southern.

Smith is being held in the Columbiana County jail.

The derailment was reported at 9:18 p.m., 17 minutes after police received a report from Norfolk Southern about an intoxicated person "on the tracks" at the Allen Road railroad crossing, west of the collision scene.

Police investigated that report and were unable to locate anyone, but said the subject was "later located at the overpass."

Floor said, "I'm sure more charges will come from Norfolk Southern."

Railroad spokesperson, Rudy Husband, said, "We're investigating" but he was unable to say if railroad police would file charges.

"Once we get there, if charges are appropriate," Husband said, "We're not at that point yet."

Salem police responded to the area of the West State Street railroad overpass where officers were advised by several witnesses that a man in a white t-shirt had been attempting to jump in front of the train.

Police said Smith was identified by the train conductor as well as witnesses as that person.

The engineer of the first train said he had to stop for Smith who was on the tracks. Once stopped, the first train, which was westbound, was struck from behind by the second train on the same track causing the derailment.

Husband said the trains had no hazardous materials other than the diesel fuel poweirng them. There was no spill.

Floor said there were empty car carriers on the first train, "so when the second train hit it they bounced up and down."

Husband said eight cars derailed and none overturned.

All the railroad crossing intersections in the city including Newgarden Avenue, West Wilson Street, East Pershing Street and South Ellsworth Avenue were closed overnight and were reopened by 2:30 p.m. Thursday. The South Lincoln Avenue crossing in Perry Township was also affected.

Husband said there was no damage estimate.

Smith was transported to the hospital for medical reasons unrelated to the incident.

Salem firefighters responded with all three shifts.

The last derailment in town occured on July 31, 1997.