Semi-trailer truck cut in half by train in downtown Trout Lake

A truck driver is lucky to be alive today after his semi-trailer was cut in half by a train in downtown Trout Lake.

The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office says it happened some time Tuesday afternoon at a railroad crossing on M-123. Preliminary reports indicate that the truck driver did not see the emergency lights at the crossing and proceeded to drive in front of an oncoming train.

Remarkably, there were no injuries. Police say the point of impact was behind the cab area of the semi, nearly missing the driver. Ironically, the semi was hauling a train engine at the time of the accident. The debris from the wreck caused a portion of M-123 to be closed for nearly 3 hours.

Police say the semi driver was cited for failing to stop at a railroad crossing.