Latest News

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Semi hit by train after sliding off highway

By: Aldo Santin

Posted: 01/15/2013 9:26 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 01/15/2013 10:37 AM | Updates

A towtruck pulls a semi-trailer up an incline after it was hit by a train this morning. The southbound semi went off the east Perimeter Highway near Gunn Road and ended up on rail tracks. The train's trailer was then struck by the train. (WAYNE GLOWACKI)

Enlarge Image

Workers are seen near the site of the train/semi-trailer collision. (WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

RCMP are still investigating an odd collision between a semi-trailer and a train early this morning near the east Perimeter Highway.

A semi-trailer heading southbound on the east Perimeter slid off the roadway near the overpass just north of Gunn Road, just after 5 a.m. this morning, went down the embankment, down and through a ditch, across a field and then ended up on the CPR tracks.

"We got the call about a semi on the (railway) tracks," Springfield Fire Chief Dick Vlaming said. "We don’t know how he ended up there."

Vlaming said the semi rig drove across the tracks but stopped with the trailer lying across it.

A few minutes later, the trailer was struck by a westbound CP Rail train.

"Luckily, the train was slowing down as it entered the city," Vlaming said. "I think they were surprised to see a semi on the tracks but they couldn’t stop in time.

"The driver (of the semi) was out by then but the trailer was badly damaged."

Vlaming said the semi driver was banged up and suffering minor bruises as a result of the bumpy ride as his rig slid off the roadway.

The driver was treated by Winnipeg paramedics and taken to hospital.

"The RCMP is still investigating but I guess he was doing highway speeds," Vlaming said.

The train was not damaged in the collision.

History

Updated on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 10:37 AM CST: Corrects headline and lede paragraph

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Latest News

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.