Driver Injuried In Car-Amtrak Crash Near Larimore

The driver of a small Chevy sedan was hurt Thursday morning when his car collided with Amtrak's Empire Builder train west of Larimore in northeast North Dakota on Thursday morning.

 

 

 

 

The driver of a small Chevy sedan was hurt Thursday morning when his car collided with Amtrak's Empire Builder train west of Larimore in northeast North Dakota on Thursday morning.

Justin Larsen, 22, of Niagara, N.D., was taken to a Grand Forks hospital with injuries that did not appear to be serious.

North Dakota Highway Patrol Sargeant Dolph Oldenburg said the railroad crossing is not marked with flashing lights, but does have crossbucks marked with yield signs

Oldenberg said the car hit the train and uncoupled the cars, causing some damage to the equipment.

"It appears the driver tried to steer to the left and go down the ditch to avoid the train but wasn't able to and struck the train right at the junction of the third and fourth car on the traip," said Oldenburg.

The car traveled about 50 yards from the point of impact, landing in a ditch on the side of the tracks.

The Highway Patrol said trees near the crossing may have blocked the driver's view.

Amtrak's Marc Magliari told KFGO News there were no injuries to Amtrak passengers or crew.

The accident delayed the westbound Amtrak for several hours.

 

Don Haney

   

© 2012 KFGO-AM  |  1020 S. 25th Street Fargo, ND 58103