Downtown Holland Driver Narrowly Avoids Train Collision [VIDEO]

A driver in Holland narrowly avoided a collision with a train and the incident was captured on camera by a railfan.

Thornapple River Rail Series produces videos about the railroad industry in Michigan, including an episode on the historic BO Tower in Kalamazoo.

The incident occurred on February 25, 2016 along Pine Avenue in Holland. This section of Pine includes a railroad crossing just before 7th Street (US 31 Business). The driver approached the intersection and stops on the tracks but is unable to complete is turn as the train is approaching. What happens next? According to the video's YouTube description,

the engineer opens up the valve on his airhorn - that gets his attention. He panics, then decides to reverse off the crossing -- oops! He back right into the car behind him, and he's still not clear. The engineer is able to begin stopping the train without dumping the emergency brake due to the short and light status of his consist.

The driver is then able to find a hole and make his turn - as more drivers continue to cross. With many a blast from the horn, the engineer is able to halt traffic and cross the road, thankfully without real incident.

No damage, no injuries, but probably a PO'd driver whole just got rammed and a very flustered driver on the balance.

Watch the entire incident unfold.