North Dakota Man Charged In Callaway Tanker-Train Crash

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 31-year-old North Dakota man has been charged in a train and propane tanker crash in Callaway, Minnesota back in March, according to the Becker County Attorney's Office.

Biya Abdella Buta faces one gross misdemeanor charge of criminal vehicular operation causing bodily harm, a reckless driving charge and a failure to stop at a railroad crossing – both misdemeanors – in connection to the March 24 incident.

According to the criminal complaint, at 12:19 p.m. on the day of the incident the county sheriff's office was notified that a train was struck by a semi hauling propane near Callaway.

When they arrived, law enforcement officers encountered the semi tanker on its side with its trailer detached and on fire. The driver was identified as Buta, who estimated the trailer contained 9,500 gallons of propane.

The train's conductor and engineer reported that they had previously observed the semi tanker trailer approaching the crossing. The engineer said despite him blowing the train whistle, the semi did not stop. So, the engineer put the train into emergency mode and applied full brakes on every car in the train.

Due to the impact with the trailer, the engineer was tossed around the locomotive and suffered a laceration to his head.

The complaint says video evidence from the locomotive showed the semi driven by Buta not stopping at a stop sign and entering the railroad crossing.

If convicted, Buta could face up to one year in jail on the criminal vehicular operation charge and up to 90 days in jail on the other charges.