The Cobleskill Police Department is currently investigating an accident involving a passenger vehicle and a train that occurred at about 1:30am last Wednesday.
The accident occurred on a railroad track line owned by Canadian Pacific Railway behind a home at 404 West Main Street. There were no injuries to any railroad personnel, and no one was in the passenger vehicle, a 1998 GMC Sonoma pick-up truck, at the time it was struck.
The truck became stuck on the tracks after the operator, Wayne A. Steffenhagen of Delevan had been recklessly driving it in the backyard of the home, located a short distance from the tracks. The accident location was not in a designated railway crossing zone.
Mr. Steffenhagen and several other subjects attempted to free his truck from the tracks, but were not successful. Mr. Steffenhagen abandoned his truck just prior to the train striking it. The eastbound train was unable to avoid striking Steffenhagen’s vehicle. The vehicle was severely damaged. The train did not receive any damage, police said.
Mr. Steffenhagen initially fled from the scene prior to police arrival, but was subsequently identified and interviewed. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the incident.
Officials from the Canadian Pacific Railway Police Department responded and assisted at the scene of the accident.
The incident is still under investigation and charges against the vehicle operator are pending at this time, police said.