A van with the Pepsi logo narrowly avoided being hit by an oncoming train in Virginia in what witnesses are calling a “miracle” incident. The driver, identified as 53-year-old Tommy Cobbs of Danville, miraculously escaped injury despite plowing through a railroad crossing gate and almost being struck by the oncoming train. Video footage captured by Bob Brown shows the van accelerating across the tracks just moments before the train passes through, leaving viewers stunned at the miraculous escape. Cobbs has since been charged with failure to obey signs and markings by the Virginia State Police.
The video, taken on July 13, shows the van braking as it approaches a lowered railroad crossing gate. Despite the warning signs, the van plows through the gate and comes to a stop just before the tracks, with the train visible in the distance with its horns blaring. The driver then reverses and appears to hit the gate a second time before continuing forward. Just as it seems the train will collide with the van, a burst of acceleration allows the vehicle to safely cross the tracks before the train comes to a stop. The incident caused around $2,000 in damage to the crossing gate.
Bob Brown, who captured the heart-stopping footage, expressed his disbelief at the close call, stating that based on the speed of the train compared to the van, he expected the worst but was amazed that Cobbs made it safely across. The incident has been described as miraculous by witnesses, with many expressing shock and relief that no one was harmed in the dramatic encounter. Despite the recklessness of Cobbs’ actions, he managed to avoid a potentially disastrous collision through sheer luck and quick thinking.
The Virginia State Police have charged Tommy Cobbs with failure to obey signs and markings following the incident, highlighting the seriousness of disregarding railroad crossing warnings. The near-miss serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of disobeying traffic signals at railway crossings and the importance of exercising caution when approaching such areas. Despite the damage caused to the crossing gate, the most important takeaway from the incident is the miraculous escape of Cobbs and the lack of injuries or fatalities in what could have been a tragic situation.
The shocking incident in Virginia serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of obeying traffic signs and markings, particularly at railway crossings where the risk of accidents is high. The video footage of the van narrowly avoiding the oncoming train has left viewers in disbelief at the miraculous escape and the sheer luck that prevented a potentially catastrophic collision. While Cobbs may face legal consequences for his reckless actions, the fact that he emerged unscathed from the incident is nothing short of a miracle, prompting many to reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of staying vigilant on the road. Ultimately, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of traffic situations and the need to always prioritize safety to avoid dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations.
