The Estevan RCMP has announced charges in connection with the collision between a semi-trailer unit and a train on Tuesday.
The RCMP, the Estevan Fire Rescue Service and the Estevan Emergency Medical Services were called to the collision, which occurred at approximately 8:45 on Tuesday morning at the Highway 39 railway crossing near Roche Percee. A westbound train collided with a northbound semi-trailer unit.
According to a news release from the Estevan RCMP, witnesses stated the semi-truck failed to remain stopped at the crossing and pulled out in front of the train. The train collided with the trailer of the semi.
The male driver of the semi-trailer received medical treatment from EMS and was released at the scene. None of the train crew members were injured.
The collision did not result in any environmental concerns or spills.
The Estevan RCMP is assisting Canadian Pacific (CP) Police in the investigation and charges have been laid against the driver of the semi-trailer under the Traffic Safety Act.
The highway was closed from the junction with Highway 18 to the U.S. border for more than four hours as a result of this incident, and traffic was rerouted where possible. The highway was reopened to one lane of traffic at approximately 2 p.m. Both lanes were fully reopened at about 4 p.m.
As a result of the collision, the railway warning lights at the crossing likely will not be functioning until Thursday. All train traffic will have to stop and manually ensure that the highway is safe to cross.
The RCMP is also reminding motorists of the importance of ensuring intersections and train crossings are safe to cross before proceeding. They ask the public to obey all signs, lights and warning devices when driving.
