Sheriff: Semi-Truck Crossing Tracks Hits Train In St. Louis County

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 67-year-old man was hurt Wednesday morning after his semi-truck collided with a train at a crossing in northern Minnesota, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities responded at about 9:51 a.m. Wednesday to the accident near the intersection of Highways 7 and 101 in Mountain Iron.

The man, identified as James Floyd Saatela, was driving a tractor/trailer and had just completed a commercial vehicle inspection. He pulled onto Highway 7 as a train was approaching the crossing and sounding its horn.

The red lights were flashing from the crossing signs, but Saatela didn't stop and was just starting to cross the tracks when his truck collided with the train. Authorities say the truck was dragged several hundred feet to the west of the crossing by the train.

The extent of the driver's injuries is not known. What led up to the crash is under investigation.