Train Collides with Garbage Truck in South Carolina

No serious injuries reported after crash at private crossing

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:51am

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A train carrying over 100 passengers collided with a garbage truck in Williamsburg County, South Carolina on Wednesday morning. The garbage truck driver suffered minor injuries, while the train passengers and crew were unharmed. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage, and the track will need to be inspected before train service can resume.

Why it matters

Train-vehicle collisions at private crossings without safety equipment are a persistent safety issue, highlighting the need for improved crossing infrastructure and driver awareness. This incident disrupted rail travel for over 100 people, underscoring the broader impact of such accidents.

The details

The collision occurred around 10:25 a.m. near 676 North Williamsburg County Highway, about 3 miles north of Kingstree. The garbage truck was pushed off to the side of the tracks, while the Amtrak train remained upright but damaged. The garbage truck driver was able to exit the vehicle with minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. No injuries were reported among the 101 passengers and crew on the train.

  • The incident occurred around 10:25 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • Buses were called to transport train passengers to a recovery center in Kingstree.

The players

Williamsburg County Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the collision scene.

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What’s next

Authorities stated the South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.

The takeaway

This collision highlights the ongoing safety risks at private railroad crossings without proper warning signals or safety equipment, and the need for continued improvements to infrastructure and driver education to prevent such accidents.