‘Major catastrophe’ avoided after train and semi hauling propane collide in Brown County

(New Ulm, MN) – Police said a major catastrophe was avoided after a semi vs. train crash in Brown County.

According to a press release by the Brown County Sheriff’s office, a semi hauling a full propane tanker was struck by a train Wednesday in Cobden at around 12:37 p.m.  The semi was on the tracks near the intersection of County Road 7 and Center Street.

The Central Region Cooperative semi was driven by 49-year-old James Schroeder of Fairfax.  Neither Schroeder or the train conductor/engineer was injured, according to the release.

The sheriff’s office says Schroeder will be cited for traffic infractions.

Police say crews were still working to clean up the spill at around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday.  Several residents were without power while the spill was contained.  The sheriff’s office posted notification on Facebook at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday announcing that power had been restored, but County Rd 7 was still closed.