New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 28, 2024

Train strikes vehicle in New Kent

By Community Member | January 18, 2019 11:58 pm

A work truck remains on its roof as the result of a Friday morning collision with a train in New Kent.

Photo courtesy of Virginia State Police

Virginia State Police is investigating a two-vehicle crash that involved a train that occurred Friday morning in New Kent.

In a press release submitted by Virginia State Police, a preliminary investigation revealed that around 11 a.m. at the 13700 block of Rockahock Road, a Ford work truck hauling a trailer was attempting to cross a railroad crossing as it traveled southbound when it was hit by an Amtrak passenger train. The train struck the truck towards the rear of the passenger side and flipped the truck on the roof. The train did not derail and there was additional damage to a mobile home and another vehicle due to flying debris.

The driver of the truck, identified as Jean-Kyle Maurice Chittum, 30, of Dunnsville, was transported to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The 76 passengers with four crew members of the train were not injured in the accident.

The railroad did not have emergency equipment but did have stop signs on each side. The track will remain closed as the train became disabled.

Chittum was charged with failure to obey a stop sign. Other charges may be pending. The accident remains under investigation.