WATCH: Freight train smashes through semi-truck in Southern Alberta
Posted Mar 18, 2026 2:26 pm.
Last Updated Mar 18, 2026 6:28 pm.
A freight train smashed through a semi‑truck in Southern Alberta on Tuesday afternoon, and a bystander’s video of the crash is now spreading online.
RCMP confirm the crash happened just after 2 p.m. on Highway 3 near Taber.
According to Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, the semi had come to a full stop at the intersection before proceeding across the tracks, but the driver failed to notice the oncoming train.
The cellphone footage shows a portion of the truck in the rail crossing as the train speeds through. Savinkoff said the train struck the rear portion of the trailer as the semi moved through the crossing.
“It’s Taber, it’s pretty flat and there is no forest blocking the view, and the driver still didn’t see the oncoming train,” he said, calling the incident a reminder to always double‑check both directions before crossing rail lines.
“It just shows you, these trains, they can’t stop quickly. So we have to take extra care and extra caution when crossing these intersections.”
No one was injured despite the force of impact.
The semi driver has been charged with careless driving, a violation that carries a fine of roughly $800.
Alberta RCMP say CN Rail recorded 42 collisions from between Jan. 1, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2026. Last year there were 37 collisions involving CN and CPKC trains combined.
The CN Police Service says with spring around the corner, agricultural activities will kick off once again in rural areas. Police are urging large vehicle operators to employ situational awareness when crossing railways.
“You may go over that crossing several times a week, and there’s no train there,” said Insp. Brian Jones with the CN Police Service. “There might not have been a train last fall during harvest, but there could be a train this spring while you’re getting ready for seeding or you’re moving equipment around. It’s an old adage, but it’s true: every day is train day.”
If you ever get struck at a crossing, Mounties say it’s best to warn police immediately.
“First thing they can do is phone the blue signs that are on these marked crossings to inform the police that they are stuck, so they can get ahead of stopping the trains and ensure that there’s no collisions,” said Insp. Kevin Peterson with the Strathcona County RCMP.
–With files from Leo Cruzat in Edmonton
