Truck Stuck

Traffic in downtown Darien was even more backed up than usual, after an 18-wheeler became lodged under a low-lying bridge Monday afternoon.

The accident happened around 2 p.m., at the Darien rail bridge on the Post Road.

Darien Police were called to divert traffic as the truck was removed, and officials from Metro North carried out a safety inspection of the bridge.

Police say the driver, Anwar, who was operating the Arctic Express truck with a California commercial driver’s licence, was traveling eastbound on the Post Road when he struck the bridge. He did not realize that the 10-foot-nine underpass was not high enough for his truck, said police.

“The signs don’t stop them,” said Darien Fire Department Chief Rick Weatherstone who’s department was called to the scene to check for fluid leaks. “It happens all the time.”

Weatherstone said that trucks get stuck in the Darien railway underpass once or twice a year, but rarely does the bridge itself suffer damage. Shortly after Monday’s accident, Police and fire officials cringed as a Metro North train crossed the track with a loud clank—and another, and another.

“That sounds terrible!” a passerby said.

A tow truck dislodged the 18-wheeler, and Metro North Bridge Inspector, Tom McLaughlin, was called to check the safety of the bridge and inspect the tracks.

“This bridge is gonna be fine,” said McGlaulin.

Clank or no clank, Metro North services through Darien will continue to operate as normal, said Metro North spokesman, Daniel Brucker.

No one was injured in the accident, but the trailer was badly damaged. As of 3 p.m., police continued to redirect traffic, as Metro North carried out the inspection.