Britton man injured after train hits minivan

4/1/2007

BRITTON, Mich. A Britton man remained in critical condition last night in a Toledo hospital after his minivan was hit by a train Friday morning on Centennial Road at Exelby Highway in Lenawee County s Ridgeway Township, the county sheriff s office said.

Russell Spalding, 83, was flown to Toledo Hospital after the crash that occurred just before 9 a.m. Friday, deputies said.

According to the report, Mr. Spalding was eastbound on Centennial and stopped for the stop sign at the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks, but then continued onto the crossing.

The minivan s rear passenger side was hit by a Canadian Pacific train that was headed northeast on the tracks, deputies said.

There is a stop sign and crossbucks at the railroad crossing, but no lights or gates, deputies said.

On Feb. 1, 2006, a train struck a grain truck at the same crossing, causing minor injuries.