At approximately 8:05AM May 13, 2010, Amtrak 73 the "Piedmont" was traveling westbound through Mebane, NC when it struck a low-boy trailer that had become stuck on the 5th St. grade crossing. The trailer's cargo was a caterpillar trackhoe, which was hit squarely and sent flying to the north side of the tracks. The trailer became wedged underneath the locomotive, which derailed toward the south side of the tracks and came to rest at the angle seen here. The collision damaged the locomotive's fuel tank, and a significant fire ensued. At least two of the passenger cars derailed as well, but all stayed upright on the roadbed. Thankfully, only approximately a dozen minor injuries were reported. This was my favorite of the NCDOT locomotives, a sad sight to see.
