Train, truck collide in Benton

BENTON—A garbage truck and a train collided in Benton, Thursday, Dec. 16, when the truck tried crossing the railroad tracks.
According to authorities, the accident happened on Emerson Cove near State Route 14 in Benton, around 8:43 a.m.  The sheriff’s press release said Jeffrey Rosati, 51, Lyons, was driving a commercial garbage truck for Cassella Waste Inc. westbound on Emerson Cove, when he crossed the railroad tracks.
The sheriff said Rosati entered the path of an oncoming four car, 300 ton northbound train owned by Finger Lakes Railway and operated by Normal Thompson, 37, Dundee.
Authorities said Thompson sounded the train’s whistle and applied the brakes, but Rosati’s vehicle was still struck by the train traveling approximately 15 miles per hour.  The report said Rosati’s vehicle was pushed off the tracks by the train and both came to rest within 100 feet of each other.
The Yates sheriff’s department said Rosati was partially ejected through the garbage truck’s windshield.  Authorities added he received “severe lacerations to his head and face as a result, and was flown to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester as a precaution.  No other injuries were reported.
The report said the accident is still under investigation.