ERIK SANZENBACH / L’Observateur / October 25, 2000

LAPLACE – A truck driver from Napoleonville suffered moderate injuries when his Pepsi delivery truck was struck by a Kansas City Southern train at the Hemlock Street railroad crossing in LaPlace Saturday afternoon.

Antonio Bercy, 25, 128 Matthews St., Napoleonville, was traveling north onHemlock Street. As he approached the railroad crossing in his 2000International delivery truck, the signal lights and bells warning motorists of an approaching train came on. Bercy ignored the crossing lights and gateand tried to cross the tracks, according to Louisiana State Police.

The train hit Bercy’s truck, destroying the cab and flinging the truck to the side of the tracks. In the process Bercy’s truck destroyed the track-switching mechanism at the intersection, and many cases of Pepsi, Dr.

Pepper and other soft drinks were strewn all over the road.

An unidentified LaPlace volunteer fFirefighter who responded to the accident said, “This is another person who tried to beat a train and, as always, they lost.”Railroad workers on the scene said it would be at least six hours before trains could use the tracks because they has to fix the switching mechanism.

Bercy was transported to River Parishes Hospital, where he was treated for moderate injuries. He was cited by the state police for disregarding a railroadcrossing signal.

Return To News Stories