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Semi Truck, Train Collide In Swift County

MURDOCK, Minn. (WCCO/AP) -- The Swift County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene of a collision between a semi truck and a train in the town of Murdock, Minn. Tuesday morning.

According to authorities, rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene. Swift County sheriff's spokeswoman Marlene Giese says the collision involved a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Susie Jones Reports

Semi Truck, Train Collide In Swift County

Burlington Northern spokeswoman Amy McBeth says two train crew members suffered non-life threatening injuries and the driver of the semi was also hurt. Sheriff's officials say one of injured was airlifted from the scene.

Authorities said they believe the semi was carrying anhydrous ammonia. The National Safety Council says anhydrous ammonia is a source of nitrogen fertilizer for crops and improper handling can cause severe respiratory injuries. Residents within a 2-mile radius were asked to stay away.

Swift County Train Hits Semi
(credit: CBS)

Giese did not know if the semi spilled any amount of the chemical. She says there was no explosion.

Students from Murdock Elementary were moved to Kerkhoven High School.

"Staff have done a remarkable job, and parents who have questions can call the district office," Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Public School District Superintendent Martin Heidelberger said.

McBeth says none of the cars of the train, headed for Kansas City, Mo., derailed.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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