Brainerd snowmobiler dies in crash with train

Authorities are investigating the death of a snowmobiler who collided with a train in Brainerd.

Police say an empty BNSF Railway coal train was westbound when 30-year-old Michael David Flannigan approached the tracks and attempted to cross in front of the train around 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Engineers reported sounding the train horn, but Flannigan didn't make it across the tracks and was struck broadside. He died at the scene.

BNSF spokeswoman Amy McBeth says the site, near the Highway 25 overpass, is not a designated crossing.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.