RURAL MONROE COUNTY, Missouri (MissouriNet) — A semi driver reportedly failed to stop at a railroad crossing and struck a Norfolk Southern train on Sunday in Monroe County.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the truck driver, Russell Minnis, 65, of Higbee, died at the crash scene.
The collision caused several of the train cars to derail – closing traffic in the area along Highway 24 near Madison.
Missourinet affiliate WGEM-TV reported that the semi had contained fertilizer, and the train was shipping rocks.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the crossing was equipped with a crossbar, bell, and warning light.
An investigation is underway.
Alisa Nelson is the Managing Editor of Missourinet, joining in spring 2015. Prior to working for Missourinet, she was an anchor/reporter Learfield’s affiliate station, 1400 KLIN in Lincoln, Nebraska for five years. Alisa had been a DJ on FM stations, B107.3, Froggy 98 and KOOL 105.3 along with airing traffic reports and sports events. She also worked as an afternoon host at affiliate station KSIB AM/FM in Creston, Iowa.
