The driver of a tanker truck that was struck by a freight train in west-central Minnesota last week died Monday, a hospital official said.
Eric Westin, 45, of Pine City, Minn., died at St. Cloud Hospital, six days after his truck, hauling anhydrous ammonia, was hit just northwest of Murdock. The collision caused an atmospheric leak from the tanker, prompting a nearby elementary school to be evacuated and forcing the closure of nearby Hwy. 12 for two days.
The leak last Tuesday morning also forced three crew members of the 102-car BNSF train to seek medical attention, authorities said, as did another truck driver who was at the Koch Nitrogen fertilizer terminal.
Anhydrous ammonia is an important source of nitrogen fertilizer for crops. Improper handling can lead to severe burns to eyes, skin and the respiratory tract.
The rail crossing is governed by crossbucks and stop signs but no gates, BNSF spokeswoman Amy McBeth said, adding that such a setup is typical for this kind of rural location.
The freight train was hauling crude oil from northwestern North Dakota to Missouri. The train lost none of its load.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
