Train hits abandoned car east of Brooten, Minn.
BROOTEN -- Authorities are investigating an incident early today in which a train struck an abandoned car on a private crossing located north of Highway 55 about four miles east of Brooten.
The Stearns County Sheriff's Office said a 2001 black Saturn driven by Michael Scott Johnson, 50, of Glenwood was southbound on the private railroad crossing when the car got stuck on the railroad tracks. Johnson abandoned the car.
As emergency vehicles arrived on the scene, a train headed eastbound hit and dragged the car down the railroad bed for approximately half a mile. No one was injured.
The crash happened shortly after midnight. The sheriff's office said alcohol may have been a factor in the crash, which is under investigation. The Minnesota State Patrol also responded to the crash.
