Sask. man killed in train crash immediately before derailment, says RCMP

Fort Qu'Appelle RCMP say a 57-year-old Saskatchewan man died in a crash involving a train immediately before a derailment Thursday afternoon.

Police first sent out a news release at 1:30 p.m. saying a train had derailed three kilometres west of Edgeley,Sask., on the 2154 grid about one kilometre north of Highway 364.

The hamlet is about 50 kilometres northeast of Regina.

At 8:25 p.m., RCMP sent an updated news release stating a preliminary investigation determined the eastbound train had collided with a maintenance vehicle travelling south at a level crossing.

The crash happened immediately before the train derailment, around noon, according to police.

A 57-year-old man from the rural municipality of Lajord, southeast of Regina, was driving the road maintenance vehicle.

RCMP said he was pronounced dead at the scene and his family hasbeen notified.

No other injuries were reported to police.

Details about thenumber of derailed train carsand how the derailmenthappenedarenot yet known.

Fort Qu'Appelle, Indian Head and White Butte RCMP responded immediately to the scene, along with Canadian National police, a private service protecting the rail company's personnel and property.

RCMP say CN police continue to investigate on sceneand will provide further updates to media.