CASS COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A combine driver was killed Thursday morning after being struck by a BNSF train near Page, North Dakota.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the deadly collision occurred at approximately 10:59 a.m. on October 9, about five miles northwest of Page. Authorities say the combine was traveling south on a gravel road when it entered a rail crossing and was struck by a westbound BNSF train.
The impact caused the lead locomotive to catch fire and resulted in the derailment of approximately 20 train cars, scattering cargo into nearby fields. The train’s engineer and conductor managed to escape safely before the fire spread and were not injured.
The combine driver died at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision. Their name has not yet been released pending family notification.
Emergency crews from multiple agencies responded to the scene, working to contain the fire and assess the extent of the derailment. Residents and motorists have been asked to avoid the area while cleanup and investigation efforts continue.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol, BNSF Railway safety teams, and local emergency services are jointly investigating the cause of the crash.
For updates on this developing story and official information, visit the North Dakota Highway Patrol and BNSF Railway websites.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
