Train Hits Street Sweeper In Wayzata

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Authorities say there were minor injuries after a train collided with a street sweeper west of the Twin Cities Wednesday morning.

Authorities responded to the incident at about 6:50 a.m. near the area of Shoreline Drive and Ferndale Road in Wayzata. A Burlington Northern Santa Fe train had collided with a street sweeper, causing minor injuries.

Authorities said the sweeper was doing private contract work related to a nearby construction project, when it attempted to cross the tracks. As the sweeper was crossing the cross arms began to come down. The driver attempted to back up but was unable to do so.

The train conductor, upon seeing the sweeper, sounded the horn and began applying the brakes. The train was traveling at an estimated 10 to 15 miles per hour when it struck the sweeper.

The street sweeper was pushed about 100 to 200 feet down the tracks near Shoreline Drive and Ferndale.

The driver of the street sweeper suffered minor injuries and walked away.

Some roads were closed in the area as authorities investigated what happened.