Train engine hits semi in Brooklyn Park

A train engine struck a semitrailer truck Tuesday morning at a crossing in Brooklyn Park.

February 26, 2013 at 10:36PM

Two train engines pulling no cars struck a semitrailer truck Tuesday morning at a crossing in Brooklyn Park, authorities said.

The wreck occurred about 10:50 a.m. near Hwy. 81 and 73rd Avenue N., police said. The truck driver was taken to a hospital as a precaution but had "no obvious sign of injury," said police Inspector Todd Milburn. No one on the engines was hurt.

Traffic on eastbound 73rd intersecting the north-south tracks was being blocked by the wreckage into the early afternoon, but westbound motorists were getting through.

The southbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe engines remained on its tracks. The semi was severely damaged near the rear of its trailer.

The eastbound truck "didn't clear [the tracks] quickly enough" to avoid being hit, Milburn said.That spot along the tracks has warning lights but no crossing arms.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

A semi was hit by a train at County road 81 and 73rd ave. in Brooklyn Park, MN on February 26, 2013.
A semi was hit by a train at County road 81 and 73rd ave. in Brooklyn Park, MN on February 26, 2013. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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