Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office investigators have identified the driver of the logging truck that was struck by a CSX train April23.
According to Sheriff’s Office reports, Roberto Febles, of Ocala, the private owner/operator of a semi-tractor-trailer logging truck, was driving on Moriczville Lane (private drive), crossing over the railroad tracks at State Road 39, in Plant City. Febles was carrying a load of timber he had just picked up at the old Cone Ranch on Moriczville Lane, when he crossed the tracks and failed to see a CSX cargo train heading southbound.
The front engine of train struck the semi cab and trailer on the right side, dragging the semi and wrapping the trailer around the front end of the engine. The semi and trailer were dragged for about 1,000 feet south along the tracks. The load of logs were dumped along the tracks at the front end of the train.
The crossing on this road has no crossing arm or lights, but does have “RR Crossing” signs.
Although the truck received extensive damage, Febles received only minor injuries. Febles was taken to a local hospital.
The train conductor, Steven Couture, of Lakeland, along with two other co-workers on board the train were not injured.