No Injuries in Decatur Train Accident at North McDonough Street and East Howard Street on November 05, 2026

A train struck a tractor-trailer near the railroad crossing at North McDonough Street and East Howard Street in Decatur, Georgia, on Thursday morning, November 5, 2026. CSX officials said the collision occurred at approximately 8:54 a.m.

The truck driver was able to get out of the vehicle before the train hit it. Decatur fire officials confirmed that no one was hurt in the collision.

The impact broke through the trailer, which was transporting a load of barrels, and left debris near the railroad tracks. Dozens of large barrels that had been inside the trailer were left scattered around the crash area. Officials had not confirmed what the barrels contained or what material the barrels were made of.

Traffic camera footage from the Georgia Department of Transportation showed the aftermath, with the CSX train stopped on the tracks and the damaged truck alongside it. Decatur police officers and fire crews responded to the crossing and remained there as the investigation continued.

Decatur Fire Chief Toni Washington said the work to clear debris from the scene could take several hours. Washington also said crews were waiting for CSX personnel to reach the location.

The collision caused traffic disruptions around the crossing. Authorities urged drivers to avoid the area and take alternate routes around North McDonough Street, East Howard Avenue and West College Avenue. A reopening time for the affected roads had not been announced while the response and cleanup effort remained underway.