Truck Driver Escapes Seconds Before Train Smashes into Semi During Snowstorm in North Carolina

A truck driver narrowly avoided injury after jumping out of a semi-truck moments before it was struck by a train during a snowstorm in Gastonia, N.C.

The crash happened Saturday, Jan. 31, near the intersection of Poplar Street and Airline Avenue, about a mile from downtown Gastonia, as snow fell across the region.

According to the Gastonia Police Department, the driver became stuck on the railroad tracks while attempting to cross and was able to escape the cab right before the oncoming train slammed into the vehicle.

“A semi has been hit by a train,” police wrote in a Facebook post. “This area will be tied up for quite sometime. Luckily no injuries, the driver was able to get out.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Photos shared by police showed a heavily damaged blue Swift Transportation semi-truck pressed against the train. The truck was not carrying a trailer at the time of the collision.

Jesus Gutierrez, who was on the scene, captured harrowing video of the crash that ensued.

In the footage, obtained by WHAS-11, the driver and Good Samaritans attempting to help him can be seen fleeing from the vehicle as the train, honking its horn in warning, speeds towards it. Seconds later, Gutierrez turns the camera around and films the locomotive T-boning the truck.

Police told WCNC-Charlotte the train involved was operated by Norfolk Southern and that the crash occurred amid low visibility and poor traction caused by the snowstorm.

The driver, Sgt. Dan Lane of the Gastonia Police Department said to the outlet, called 911 after becoming stuck on the tracks, but there was not enough time to stop the train before impact.

“It’s still an active investigation,” Lane said.

PEOPLE reached out to the Gastonia Police Department for updates.

No injuries were reported, but authorities warned that the intersection would remain closed for an extended period and urged drivers who become stuck on railroad tracks to call 911 immediately so dispatchers can attempt to halt oncoming trains.

The collision came as a powerful winter storm blanketed much of North Carolina over the weekend, creating dangerous driving conditions statewide. Residents across the state woke up Sunday to record-setting snowfall, with some areas reporting more than 20 inches of accumulation.

It’s the biggest snow event since 2004, according to transportation officials.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said more than 1,000 traffic collisions were reported across the state during the storm, resulting in at least two fatalities, NBC News reported. Stein did not release details about the victims.

Stein also warned that black ice could pose an ongoing risk throughout the week due to overnight freezing temperatures.

“Today is a special day for North Carolina because we just don’t get snow like this very often,” Stein said. “So, have fun, stay off the roads and stay safe.”