Sleepy Eye, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — In a dramatic collision on Friday afternoon, a semi-truck was struck by a train on U.S. Highway 14 near Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. The incident occurred around 2:13 p.m. when the semi-truck, driven by 24-year-old Robert Jewett of New Richland, attempted to turn into a business at 24170 U.S. Highway 14. As the truck crossed the tracks, it was hit by a westbound Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad train.
The train was operated by 56-year-old Jeffrey Schafer and 57-year-old Thomas Behsman, both from Madison Lake. Remarkably, all three individuals sustained only minor injuries and were treated at the scene. The collision resulted in significant damage, splitting the grain-carrying semi-trailer in half and causing substantial damage to both vehicles.
Authorities have not disclosed information regarding citations or charges related to the incident. The Brown County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of railroad crossing safety, advising drivers to slow down, stop and listen at crossings, and never drive around lowered gates or flashing lights.
Did you know? According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there were over 2,000 collisions at highway-rail grade crossings in the United States in 2024, highlighting the critical need for caution at these intersections.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.