Fatality in Winder train-truck crash

According to Winder police detective Rachel Love, a 911 call was made at 2:25 p.m. and authorities responded at 2:26 p.m. Witnesses told police the lights at the marked cross guard were functioning and a sound was emitted that alerted that the lights were indeed flashing at the time of the accident, said Love.

The Winder Police Department, Winder Fire Department, Barrow County Sheriff's Office and Barrow County Emergency Services responded to the scene.

The incident created a major traffic jam throughout downtown Winder. County employees were seen directing traffic on Broad Street near the old courthouse.

A Winder fire engine was involved in a minor accident en route to the scene, said Winder Fire Chief Matt Whiting. A small fire also erupted due to the crash, but that was extinguished.

Gary Sease, corporate communications director with CSX, said this: “The train originated in New Orleans in route to Hamlet, N.C. There were no injuries to the train crew. We’re just cooperating with the investigation that is being conducted by local authorities.”