M109 howitzer in fiery collision: Freight train vs military trailer

A dangerous incident occurred on Friday, 13th September, in the American state of South Carolina. A freight train collided with a trailer transporting a self-propelled M109 howitzer. We explain what this equipment is.

According to Fox News, the incident took place in the town of Goose Creek. Social media is sharing videos showing the exact moment of the collision and photos revealing its aftermath.

The trailer carrying the military equipment was destroyed. The self-propelled M109 howitzer, although an armoured piece of equipment, might also have been damaged, but this will be assessed after thorough examinations. Repairs will also be needed for the level crossing itself.

Information obtained by Fox News indicates that no one was injured. The accident appears to have occurred because the trailer transporting the military equipment got stuck on the crossing and did not manage to leave in time. Local police are investigating the exact circumstances of the incident.

The M109 is one of the most popular self-propelled howitzers in the world. The first units of this weapon entered service in 1963. Over the years, several upgrades have been developed, with the latest being the M109A7, which is still being enhanced today.

This weapon uses 155 mm calibre shells. However, different versions of this self-propelled howitzer have used various guns, affecting their range. Most of them have been equipped with 39-calibre barrels, providing a range of about 18 km. When using rocket-assisted ammunition, this range can be increased to approximately 31 km.

The incident likely involved the latest version, the M109A7. It has been in production since 2013 and shares components (including transmissions and tracks) with the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. The U.S. has further plans for developing this weapon. At the end of 2023, tests were conducted on a variant armed with a 52-calibre barrel.