Miami-bound Amtrak train hits truck coming into Tampa, killing driver, injuring 3 passengers

Wednesday, November 8th 2006, 9:16 pm

By: News On 6

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- An Amtrak train carrying 89 people slammed into a tractor trailer Wednesday, killing the truck driver and leaving three passengers with minor injuries, authorities said.

The Amtrak Silver Star was heading into the Tampa area when it collided with the truck at an industrial rail crossing around 1:45 p.m., Fire Rescue Capt. Bill Wade said.

The train carrying 75 passengers and 14 crew members stopped safely after the crash and did not derail, Wade said.

The semi, which was carrying scrap metal, caught fire and was destroyed. The truck driver, 45-year-old Henry James Montgomery, of Tampa, died at the scene, Wade said.

Two passengers were taken to a hospital with minor back injuries, and a third person was treated at the scene for difficulty breathing, Wade said.

Passengers were transported by bus from the crash site. The train was heading to Miami from New York, said Tracy Connell, an Amtrak spokeswoman in Washington.

The cause of the crash was under investigation. Wade said the crossing was not on a public road and had warning lights and a crossing gate, but authorities were investigating if they were working properly.