Train hits semi-trailer, trapping driver in cab in irrigation canal

A train slammed into a semi-trailerThursday near Lethbridge, Alta., tearing the cab from the trailer and throwing it into an irrigation canal,trapping the driver inside.

The semi washauling an empty trailer and headed westbound on Highway 3 at about9:40 a.m.

The truck turned north across the rail crossing at Range Road 211,about 10 kilometres east of Lethbridge,where it was struck by a CP Rail train headed east.

RCMP said in a release that the semi's cab was struck, detaching it from the trailer and throwing it east into the St. Mary's River Irrigation District canal.

Hazmat team responded to diesel spill

The driver, fromCalgary,was trapped inside and had to be extracted by the Lethbridge Fire Department.

He was taken to Chinook Regional Hospitaland is not suffering from life-threatening injuries, police said.

The fire department's hazmat team also responded to the scene, to contain a diesel spill from the truck's fuel tanks.

Police said representatives from the river irrigation district and Alberta Environment are on scene monitoring the spill.

Highway 3 has since reopened, but Range Road 211 remains closed to allow the semi to be safely towed from the canal.

CP Rail officials are investigating the collision.

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