It may not have been "real," but to the hundreds of spectators and participants at a recent mock truck/train crash in Findlay, Ohio, the scene was real enough.

The Ohio Trucking Association partnered with Operation Lifesaver, CSX Transportation, Ohio State Highway Patrol and other organizations to stage the event. The concept of a mock tractor-trailer and train crash began as an educational outreach program for professional truck drivers to heighten awareness of the dangers associated with railroad grade crossings. The event also presented a rare opportunity for emergency medical service responders to get practice in extracting "victims" from a train locomotive.
The scenario: A CSX train is northbound entering the south section of Findlay. An eastbound tractor-trailer occupied by a driver and passenger proceed to cross the tracks. The crossing is marked with an automatic signal, but no gate. The train is approaching the highway-rail grade crossing at 20 mph, sounding its horn in accordance with the law. The truck driver does not see the train and begins to cross the tracks.
The engineer sees the truck and goes into emergency braking, however, there is too little distance to slow the train. A collision occurs, toppling the tractor-trailer onto its left side, shoving the vehicle down the tracks many feet before the train comes to a stop.
There is no fire, but fuel is leaking from the truck's tanks. The truck driver and passenger are injured and unable to remove themselves from the cab. The train engine crew immediately reports the emergency to their railroad dispatcher. One train crew member begins experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath. The impact jams the doors of the locomotive, allowing entry only through the cab window.
A Findlay police officer was first on the "scene" and radioed for help. The truck driver was "killed" in the crash and placed in a body bag. His co-driver was in the sleeper and had to be extracted from the truck by rescue workers and "transported" to the local hospital by helicopter. Rescue workers also got the train crew out of the locomotive and helped the one who was having a simulated heart attack.
After the event, a train-the-trainer workshop was held for truck driving safety personnel on how to teach truckers to avoid such crashes. They learned about Ohio laws about grade crossings and on applicable federal regulations.
Operation Lifesaver is planning to repeat the event in other areas of Ohio next year.