Gratiot County, MI — February 11, 2025, Bruce Wiltfong was killed following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 11:30 A.M. on North Baldwin Road.
An investigation is underway following an 18-wheeler accident that left one person dead during the morning hours of February 11th. According to official reports, Bruce Wiltfong was operating an 18-wheeler was traveling in the northbound lanes of North Baldwin Road when for unknown reasons the truck struck an eastbound train in Bethany Township.
When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Wiltfong had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. At his time it remains unknown what caused the truck to strike the train, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I see reports like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators are able to determine exactly what led to the crash. Collisions between large trucks and trains are relatively rare, but when they do occur, they raise serious questions about what factors contributed to the accident. To truly understand what happened, there are three critical questions that must be addressed.
The first question is whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation. Law enforcement officers and crash investigators will typically examine the scene, document any available evidence, and attempt to determine why the truck collided with the train. However, investigations like these can be complicated, especially if there were no direct witnesses. Key details that need to be examined include whether the railroad crossing had proper warning signals, whether the signals were functioning correctly at the time of the crash, and whether visibility issues—such as weather conditions or obstructed sightlines—may have played a role. Given the complexity of crashes involving both commercial vehicles and trains, it’s critical that authorities take every possible step to ensure nothing is overlooked.
The second question is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. Mechanical failures in large trucks can be catastrophic, particularly when they involve braking or steering systems. If the truck’s brakes failed or if there was an issue with the throttle or transmission, the driver may have been unable to stop in time to avoid the collision. Additionally, commercial trucks are required to undergo regular maintenance and inspections, so part of the investigation should include a review of the truck’s maintenance records to ensure it was in safe operating condition. These types of mechanical failures require a forensic examination of the truck before it is moved or repaired, yet they are often dismissed too quickly in favor of more obvious explanations.
The final question is whether all electronic data related to the crash has been collected. The truck’s electronic control module (ECM) may contain crucial details about what happened in the moments leading up to the impact, including speed, braking, and acceleration data. Additionally, many commercial trucks are equipped with telematics systems that track vehicle movement, GPS data, and even in-cab video footage, all of which could provide valuable insight into what happened. Investigators should also review any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses or railroad cameras that may have captured the collision. Unfortunately, this kind of data is often lost or overlooked unless someone specifically requests it.
Until these questions are fully answered, it’s too soon to assume what caused this crash. Ensuring a thorough investigation isn’t just about determining responsibility—it’s about providing answers to those affected, identifying any preventable factors, and making sure steps are taken to improve safety at railroad crossings to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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