Semi-trailer hits train, closes rural highway northeast of Calgary

A semi-trailer has struck a train, knocking it off the tracks and closing a rural highway northeast of Calgary, police said in a statementWednesday.

At about 11 a.m., Beiseker RCMP responded to the collision at the railway crossing on Highway 575 near Township Road 243, the statement said.

The collision site is justnortheast of Beiseker, avillage about 70 kilometres northeast of Calgary.

The semi-trailer, loaded with grain,struck the train, causing aminor derailment that blockedthe highway.

"The driver of the semi was treated on scene for minor injuries and no other injuries were reported," RCMP said. "Heavy fog is believed to have been a factor in the collision."

As Highway 575 is impassible, a detour will likely be in effect for hours, police said.

• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Former Alberta Party candidate Terry Lo pleads guilty to child sex abuse charges
• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Footprints on dangerous cornice over 300-metre cliff prompt warning from mountain rescuers