Pumpkin Train Forced to Strike Vehicle at Duluth Crossing

DULUTH, Minn. — The North Shore Scenic Railroad’s (NSSR) last Pumpkin Train of the season got an unexpected delay Sunday after a driver ignored safety signals and ultimately got clipped by the train in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood, according to train officials.

“Always assume that there is a train coming. Stop fully. Don’t go to a soft stop, stop fully. Look both ways and then proceed when it is safe. When that is not done, incidents like this happen,” according to Ken Buehler, general manager of the North Shore Scenic Railroad.

Nobody on board the train was injured.

The driver of the vehicle involved fled the scene after the crash, according to Buehler.

A part of the vehicle’s bumper was left at the scene of the 43rd Avenue East crossing.

The Pumpkin Train was delayed about 30 minutes until it continued north to the pumpkin patch.

This crossing does not have stop arms, but Buehler said the NSSR conducted all safety protocols.

“Railroad safety is our job — number one — on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. It’s the most important thing we’re concerned about. There were no injuries today. That’s crucial. What happened here was an individual ignored a stop sign, ignored a railroad crossbuck telling them there was a railroad crossing and the train was coming and was blowing their horn three times on a very loud horn that announced they were going to cross this intersection. The person ignored all those warning signs and went ahead and was unfortunately struck in the rear quarter panel and then took off,” according to Buehler.

The Duluth Police Department was called to the scene.  FOX 21 reached out Sunday for information about the crash but did not hear back by 9 p.m.