Train strikes semi tanker

Published 5:11 pm Monday, April 6, 2015

A semi tanker rests on its side in the ditch near the intersection of Minnesota Highway 109 and Freeborn County Road 61 after it was reportedly struck by a train. — Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

A semi tanker rests on its side in the ditch near the intersection of Minnesota Highway 109 and Freeborn County Road 61 after it was reportedly struck by a train. — Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

ALDEN — A train reportedly struck a semi tanker Monday afternoon northwest of Alden.

The crash, at a railroad crossing south of the intersection of Minnesota Highway 109 and Freeborn County Road 61, was reported at 3:34 p.m. No one was injured.

According to the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, the semi, driven by a 59-year-old man, was pulling an empty tanker. The semi was traveling north on Freeborn County Road 61 — also known as 620th Avenue. The man reportedly stopped at the stop sign for the railroad tracks but did not see the approaching train.

This semi tanker was reportedly struck by a train Monday afternoon northwest of Alden. - Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

This semi tanker was reportedly struck by a train Monday afternoon northwest of Alden. – Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

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The semi proceeded north over the railroad tracks and was hit by the train, which was traveling west. The collision caused the semi to roll onto its side and off of the roadway.

The  Norfolk Southern Railway train stopped on the tracks west of the crash, and the railway was closed for several hours.

The crash remains under investigation.

Assisting at the scene were the Minnesota State Patrol, the Alden Fire Department and Freeborn Ambulance.

This Norfolk Southern Railway train stopped on the tracks after reportedly striking a semi tanker Monday afternoon northwest of Alden. - Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

This Norfolk Southern Railway train stopped on the tracks after reportedly striking a semi tanker Monday afternoon northwest of Alden. – Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune