A Canadian National freight train rolling through the countryside southwest of Marcellus in Cass County was hit by a truck just seconds before 6pm last night, Thursday, April 16th, leaving two men critically injured and a third in stable condition all at Bronson Hospital.
Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke, reports that his office was called to investigate the crash on Savage Road near the intersection of Waterstradt Sreet, in Marcellus Township of Cass County, southwest of the village of Marcellus.
His investigation shows that the 44 year old driver, Dustin Hooker of Battle Creek, was driving northbound on Savage Road near Waterstradt, but as his truck approached the railroad crossing, the truck’s brakes failed, resulting in the collision with the passing train.
The impact caused the passengers, 33 year old Gayland Campbell of Marcellus, and 43 year old Paul Smith of Tekonsha, to be thrown from the vehicle. Paul Smith was airlifted to Bronson by Med Flight in critical condition, Gayland Campbell was taken by Three Rivers Ambulance in critical condition to Bronson and the driver, Hooker, was delivered to Bronson by Pride Care Ambulance in stable condition. Nobody aboard the Canadian National freight train was hurt in the crash.
Behnke says that while the driver, Hooker, was wearing his seatbelt the passengers were not. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.
Assisting agencies include Marcellus Fire and EMS, Newberg Township Fire Department, Three Rivers Fire Department, Pride Care EMS, Canadian National Police, and Med Flight.
