Train, Garbage Truck Collide Near Kingstree

One person injured, rail traffic halted after crash at private crossing

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged train wheel or coupling mechanism, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a train collision.The aftermath of a collision between a train and a garbage truck exposes the need for improved safety measures at rural rail crossings.Kingstree Today

A collision between an Amtrak train and a garbage truck in Williamsburg County, South Carolina on April 1 left one person with minor injuries and halted rail traffic north of Kingstree. The garbage truck driver was transported to a local hospital, while the 101 passengers and crew on the train were unharmed. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage, and the tracks will need to be inspected before service can resume.

Why it matters

Train and vehicle collisions at private crossings without proper safety equipment can pose serious risks to both passengers and drivers. This incident highlights the need for improved safety measures and coordination between transportation authorities to prevent such accidents in the future.

The details

Emergency crews were dispatched around 10:25 a.m. on April 1 to the crash site about three miles north of Kingstree. The garbage truck was pushed off to the side of the tracks, while the train remained upright farther down the line. The garbage truck driver was able to exit the vehicle on his own and was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. No injuries were reported among the train's 101 passengers and crew. Both the truck and train sustained extensive damage, and the tracks will need to be inspected before rail service can resume.

  • The collision occurred on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
  • Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene around 10:25 a.m. that day.

The players

Williamsburg County Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the collision and provided details about the incident.

Amtrak

The national passenger rail service whose train was involved in the collision.

South Carolina Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency investigating the cause of the crash.

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What they’re saying

“The driver of the garbage truck was able to exit the vehicle on his own and was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.”

— William B. Horton III, Williamsburg County Fire Department Captain

What’s next

The South Carolina Highway Patrol will continue its investigation into the cause of the collision at the private crossing.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of proper safety equipment and coordination between transportation authorities to prevent accidents at private railroad crossings and protect both drivers and passengers.