BREAKING: Amtrak train hits 18-wheeler in Triangle area.

MEBANE (WTVD) — An Amtrak train hit a tractor-trailer truck in downtown Mebane Thursday morning.

It happened at a crossing on 5th Street (NC-119) around 7:40 a.m.

Witnesses said flat bed truck was hauling a large excavator used for construction when it got stuck on the tracks as the crossing arms came down.

The truck driver was able to get out of the truck before the lead engines of the Amtrak train slammed into the truck.

The truck rolled over several times and the Caterpillar excavator was tossed to the side and the train derailed sparking a fire.

Firefighters used foam to put out the blaze. The force of the crash tore down power lines, trees, and even the crossing arm equipment.

There is word of some injuries, but officials are still evaluating the crash scene and did not have any word on the number of people hurt. EMS workers were loading the wounded into ambulances and taking them to area hospitals.

Alamance County authorities said the westbound Piedmont 73 train had just left Durham headed for Greensboro and Charlotte.

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