Caught on camera: Train smashes through semi-trailer in Alberta

RCMP say a train in southern Alberta hit a semi truck that was stopped at a crossing, destroying the trailer.

No serious injuries were reported after a train smashed through a trailer being hauled by a semi in southern Alberta on Tuesday.

Taber-Vauxhall RCMP were called to the crash on Highway 3 and Township Road 490 at 2:17 p.m., according to Cpl. Troy Savinkoff of Alberta RCMP.

Savinkoff said a preliminary investigation shows the driver stopped at the crossing, which is marked by a stop sign, and then proceeded onto the tracks in front of the train.

The train was not able to stop and smashed through the back of the semi’s trailer.

“I do know that the driver of that semi has been issued a ticket for driving carelessly that carries a fine of $850, which he can, of course, pay later,” Savinkoff said.

The crash happened the day before a planned news conference between RCMP and CN Rail outside Edmonton about safety at rail crossings.

In 2025 there were 37 collisions at CN Rail crossings in Alberta, according to the rail company, including two fatalities and six serious injury collisions.

“We want to make sure people cross safely, whether it be large vehicles, construction vehicles or small vehicles, the safety concerns are the same regardless of the vehicle,” Insp. Keven Peterson told reporters gathered for the news conference.

“Incidents involving trains and large vehicles can escalate quickly and have serious consequences, especially when vehicles become stuck on tracks and operators are unsure what to do next.”

Peterson says anyone who gets stuck at a rail crossing should call the phone number listed on the blue sign at the crossing to inform railway police about their vehicle to prevent a possible crash.

“If people are absolutely lost, phone 911, and they will connect with CN police to make sure that they can stop these trains,” he said.

General awareness about train crossings can also prevent crashes, according to Insp. Brian Jones of the CN Rail police.

“As we come into spring, road and weather conditions can change on a dime. In Alberta, we might have snow, we might have rain. Particular concern around railway crossings is fog,” he said.

“We’ve had a number of fog advisories in Alberta already this year, and motorists need to be able to adjust and recognize what is happening as they’re driving.”

“We’re going to see an increase in agricultural activity and heavy equipment and road maintenance equipment. We’re particularly concerned about a loss of situational awareness with those of those Albertans that are working in the agricultural industry. Really the concern is complacency.”

And finally, he says never try to beat a train across a crossing.

“It’s just unsafe to do that.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Evan Kenny

RELATED STORIES:

• Southbound train collides with empty snowmobile lodged on tracks
• Saskatchewan town demanding changes to rail crossing with history of fatalities
• Belle River driver charged after crash involving train