AYR, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) -A semi-truck collided with a train on the morning of October 19, 2024, leaving one person injured, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:24 a.m. in the 14100 block of 25th Street SE, about one mile northwest of Ayr. According to the Highway Patrol, the driver of the 2014 Kenworth semi, identified as Jose Garza, 36, of Penitas, Texas, failed to stop for automatic railroad crossing signals, leading to the collision.
The semi, loaded with gravel, was heading eastbound when it struck the side of a Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) intermodal railcar that was traveling northwest on the rail line. The impact caused the semi to come to rest on the roadway, facing east. Garza was transported to Sanford Hospital in Fargo by Page Ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries.
Road conditions were reported as good, with the weather foggy at the time of the crash. The North Dakota Highway Patrol and other agencies, including the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, Page Fire Department, and Page Ambulance, responded to the scene.
The crash remains under investigation, with authorities also reviewing Garza’s failure to stop at the railroad crossing.