LANDIS - The Unity RCMP were dispatched to a collision between a semi-truck and a train on the CN line four miles West of the town of Landis Friday morning.
There were no injuries to either the driver of the semi-truck or to the operators of the train. EMS was not required. Wilkie Fire and Rescue responded to the collision and assisted in the clean-up of a ruptured fuel tank on the semi-unit, which spilled a partial tank of diesel fuel.
Investigation revealed that the truck was travelling northbound on Standard Road at the time of the collision and did not stop at the rail crossing. It was struck by a westbound train on the CN line. The truck was pushed across the road and into the ditch, which stopped as soon as was possible until the truck could be removed from the side of the train.
Rail traffic was suspended until the semi truck and grain trailer was pulled back from the edge of the tracks and the train could move out of the affected rail area. CN officials examined the track and determined there were no damages to the lines so rail traffic was able to resume.
There was no damage to the rail cars and no goods spilled from the train, which was composed of cargo box cars and container units. At the time of the collision, the train was estimated to be travelling at a speed of approximately 45 miles per hour. The truck was also travelling at a low speed as the driver had just stopped to adjust the tarps on the grain trailer. At the time of the collision, the truck made initial contact with the locomotive of the train.
The truck and trailer were completely removed from the site by noon and rail traffic has resumed without any restrictions.
A 56-year old male resident of the Landis district was charged with disobeying a railway stop signal.
