Two sport utility vehicles were involved in a serious crash with a moving train early Wednesday morning in northeast Minneapolis, leaving one driver fighting for his life and another recovering from less severe injuries.
The crash happened shortly after 2:30 a.m. near the intersection of Columbia Parkway and Central Avenue NE, an area that has crossing arms and flashing warning lights to alert drivers when a train is approaching. Police said they are still investigating what led to the collision and whether alcohol or any other form of impairment played a role.
According to preliminary information from the Minneapolis Police Department, a woman driving a Cadillac Escalade had stopped on northbound Central Avenue as a train passed through the crossing. Moments later, a man driving a Toyota RAV4 crashed into the back of her SUV. The force of the impact was so strong that both vehicles were pushed forward and struck the side of the moving train.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene immediately after the crash. The man driving the RAV4 suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) for emergency treatment. The woman in the Escalade was also taken to the hospital, but her injuries were described as non-critical.
Police remained at the scene for several hours to collect evidence and determine what exactly happened in the moments before the crash. They said it was too early to know if speed, distraction, or intoxication were contributing factors. The section of Central Avenue near the tracks was closed temporarily as investigators examined the wreckage and crews worked to clear the scene.
The train involved was operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). Company officials said they were cooperating with authorities and would release more information once the investigation was further along. No injuries were reported among the train crew or passengers, and the train resumed movement after the area was cleared.
Crashes at railroad crossings, while relatively rare, can be devastating due to the size and speed of trains. Police reminded drivers to always stay alert, never try to beat a train, and maintain a safe following distance from vehicles stopped at crossings. They also emphasized the importance of slowing down and paying attention to warning signals—especially late at night when visibility is lower and reaction times may be slower.
Investigators will review surveillance footage from nearby cameras and collect witness statements to piece together a clearer picture of what happened. The results will help determine whether any charges or citations will be issued.
As of Wednesday morning, the names of the two drivers had not been released. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage, and photos from the scene showed the SUVs crumpled near the crossing gates. Authorities said more updates would be shared once they had confirmed the drivers’ conditions and completed the initial phase of the investigation.
