Freight Train Hits Snow Plow Stuck On Tracks

The driver of a snowplow escaped injury Tuesday when his truck was struck by a freight train at a crossing near here.

Jerry Patzke, 26, of Belgrade, was cited by the Highway Patrol for careless driving.

He said he did not see the approaching train until he had started to cross the tracks. He tried to back off the tracks, but the truck wheels could get no traction on the icy road.

The train, estimated to be traveling about 40 mph, slammed into the passenger side of the truck and spun the vehicle around to leave it facing in the opposite direction.

Patzke said he considered jumping from the truck before the train hit, but decided it was safer to stay in the cab.