Putnam County man hurt when train hits semi in Leipsic

5/7/2008

LEIPSIC, Ohio - A Putnam County man was hurt yesterday when a CSX train hit his tractor-trailer at a grade crossing on State Rt. 613 near State Rt. 65, Leipsic police said.

Michael Minch, whose age was not available, of Putnam County's Monroe Township, was treated at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima, Ohio.

Mr. Minch was driving east on Route 613 about 10:35 a.m. when he was struck by the northbound train. The impact tore the motor from the rig, spilling as much as 12 gallons of motor oil, authorities said.

Much of the oil drained into a nearby sewer, but the spill was contained and cleaned up by emergency crews, county officials said.

Leipsic Village Waterworks will monitor the water supply for signs of oil, but it is unlikely the spill tainted village water, officials said.