Sharp-eyed conductor saves two lives in winter crossing accident 

Kimball, Michigan – December 11, 2024 – In a remarkable display of quick thinking and selflessness, SMART-TD member and Canadian National (CN) conductor, Brandon LaBombard, (Local 1183, Port Huron, MI) acted swiftly to prevent tragedy. 

While aboard CN train 484, heading northbound and approaching the railyard in Port Huron, LaBombard saw an 18-wheeler approaching the Wadhams Road crossing. Given the icy conditions and speed of the truck, he suspected that it wouldn’t be able to stop in time. As the head end of the train passed through the crossing, LaBombard kept a sharp eye on the truck through the window on the conductor’s side of the locomotive. 

He watched as the truck jackknifed into a Dodge Charger waiting at the crossing. “The trailer swung around and hit that Dodge like a baseball bat swatting a ball off a tee,” he recalled. The car was thrown into the train about 20 cars behind the locomotive. 

Technology ill-equipped to detect the crash 

The automated safety systems did not detect the collision, and the engineer remained unaware of the incident. Thankfully, as the second crew member, LaBombard was there to take control of the situation. He instructed the engineer to stop the train and then rushed back to the scene to assist the victims. 

Fortunately, the drivers of both the truck and the Dodge were able to walk away from the wreckage. While LaBombard was assessing the damage and coordinating with the Huron yard, a second car sped out of control on the icy road. This second car flipped and rolled three times before coming to rest upside down in a deep ditch.  

The vehicle was submerged in over three feet of standing water, trapping the driver and passenger inside. The doors were jammed, and as the car began filling with icy water LaBombard again sprang into action. 

“My Transportation Supervisor, George Sarrica, and I tried to break the glass on the window, but it wouldn’t budge. We were banging on it, and it just wouldn’t break. So I gave up on that and pried the door open. Thankfully that worked, and I was able to get both of the people out and safe,” LaBombard recalled. 

Second crew member is the first responder 

In a statement to SMART News, LaBombard downplayed his heroic actions. “I just did what I would hope someone would do for me or my family,” he said. “I’m just glad I was on the train and was available to respond.” He also pointed out that, had he not been on the train, the engineer would not have known about the accident until he arrived at Port Huron yard. 

LaBombard’s quick thinking and brave actions saved the lives of two people in the flipped car. His selfless response underscores a critical point raised by proponents of Michigan’s 2-Person Crew bill, (SB 100) which is currently under debate in the state’s House of Representatives. 

The bill advocates for a two-person crew on freight trains, highlighting that no amount of technology can replace the human element in ensuring the safety of both train crews and the public. The technology aboard the train showed no signs of trouble and the engineer, focused on the track ahead, had no idea that lives were at risk. Even with Brother LaBombard immediately radioing in a report of the accident, he remained the one and only first responder on the scene for nearly half an hour. 

“Technology may be good safety overlay, but it will never replace the human element or a second set of eyes on trains.” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “Brandon’s actions exemplify the values we hold as a union and show why we need trained professionals on the ground, on the trains, and on the scene.”  

Thank you, Brother Brandon LaBombard, for your heroic actions and your unwavering service to our industry. You embody the true spirit of SMART-TD.