A Palmerton man hospitalized following a collision between a train and a front-end loader is doing better.

Family members shared an update on Clay Andrews, who was injured Tuesday night when a 14-car train struck a piece of equipment he was operating.

The crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in Bethlehem.

Andrews was hospitalized with serious and life-threatening injuries including a head injury. However his family said his condition has improved.

His wife Tracey said he was awake and breathing under his own power.

“He still has many hurdles but he’s headed in the right direction,” she said in a post.

Tracey Andrews thanked family friends and strangers for their outpouring of support throughout the situation, particularly the well-wishes, messages, and meals that her family had received. She said their prayers are working.

“Thank you ALL for your continued prayers, he still has a long way to go for recovery, but he is strong and he is a fighter, we will all help him get through this,” she said.

Previously:

A collision between a train and a piece of construction equipment in Bethlehem Tuesday night injured a local resident.

A Norfolk Southern train struck a front-end loader on railroad property on the south side of Bethlehem around 10:30 p.m.

The operator of the front end loader was ejected.

The worker is Clay Andrews, a Palmerton area resident, family members confirmed.

They said he was taken to St. Luke’s University Hospital–Bethlehem Campus in critical condition and his injuries were life-threatening.

The 14-car train was reportedly headed for Port Newark, New Jersey.