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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)

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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

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