Icy conditions lead to seven-vehicle crash in Fargo area
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(AP) - An automated deicing system on a Red River bridge between Fargo and Moorhead, Minn., failed Wednesday ahead of a seven-vehicle crash, authorities said.
Authorities said snow and ice on the bridge contributed to the accident. No one was seriously hurt. Speed also played a part, they said.
The westbound deicing system operated by Minnesota worked properly about 4:15 a.m., North Dakota Transportation Department spokesman Troy Gilbertson said. But the eastbound equipment, operated by North Dakota, didn't.
Each side has a different pumping station to spray a chemical on the bridge, which carries I-94 over the river, Gilbertson said.
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"We did a test last night, and the pump burned out at that pumping station," Gilbertson said.
Gilbertson said speed was a factor in the crash.
"Really, it comes down to the driver," he said. "It's no different (using the deicing equipment) than a truck and a plow and a sander. Those are all factors that help. Whatever we do - we have a lot of good people, good trucks, good equipment to try to get rid of ice and snow. We continue to see people driving too fast."
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
