SYLVAN TOWNSHIP — A Moorhead man was found dead following a crash involving a train and a car Thursday, April 13, in Sylvan Township.
The Minnesota State Patrol stated the crash was reported just after 2:30 p.m. A BNSF Railway train was reportedly eastbound on the tracks at West Gull River Road Southwest between Pillager and Baxter. A 2002 Chrysler Sebring was on the tracks and was struck by the train. Lance Keith Beachem, 53, was found dead at the scene.
BNSF reported the train had about 20 rail cars of metal scrap and one empty car when it struck the vehicle on the tracks. There were no injuries to the BNSF crew. The tracks were closed for traffic for approximately four hours before reopening.
Law enforcement and BNSF responded and the incident is under investigation. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Pillager Fire Department and North Memorial Health Ambulance assisted at the scene.
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