Two SUVs Collide with Train in NE Minneapolis Crash Early Wednesday
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Authorities responded to a serious collision involving two SUVs and a freight train at 2:30 a.m. on Central Avenue Northeast near Columbia Parkway.
According to police, a Toyota RAV4 collided with a stopped Cadillac Escalade at a railroad crossing, propelling the Cadillac into the path of the moving train. The Toyota also impacted the train during the incident. A bystander extinguished a fire that erupted in the Toyota.
Investigators estimate the speed of the Toyota at 68-69 mph, significantly above the 30 mph speed limit on Central Avenue. The woman driving the Cadillac was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, including a broken pelvis, but is expected to survive. The driver of the Toyota sustained life-threatening injuries and is suspected of impairment. Authorities are awaiting results from a blood draw as part of the ongoing investigation.
As of Thursday afternoon, the driver of the Toyota had not been charged. A search warrant has been filed to access the event data recorder from the vehicle. The warrant was executed on Wednesday to gather additional evidence regarding the crash.
Emergency services, including local police and medical units, responded to the scene, and lane closures were implemented during the investigation.