Train strikes man

A 30-year-old Hobart, Ind., man was critically injured after he fell on a railroad crossing and was struck by a train Wednesday in Staples, the Staples Police Department reported.

Craig Michael Allen was airlifted to St. Cloud Hospital, where Thursday afternoon he was reported in critical condition.

Police said about 11:30 p.m. Allen was on foot attempting to cross the Seventh Street railroad crossing in Staples when he apparently fell to the ground. A westbound BNSF Railway train was approaching, saw Allen on the tracks and activated an emergency stopping device and sounded its horn but could not stop, police said.

"It appeared he was attempting to get across before the train came and it appeared he may have stumbled, based on witness statements," Staples Police Sgt. Doug Case said.

Case said it also appeared alcohol may have played a role in Allen falling onto the tracks. The police are continuing their investigation of the accident.

Allen was initially taken to Lakewood Health Care System in Staples then airlifted to St. Cloud Hospital. His injuries were described by police as extensive.

Case said Allen had been staying with friend in Staples for a while. No one was with Allen when he was struck by the train, Case said.

Assisting were the Wadena and Todd County sheriff's departments, the Staples Fire Department, Staples Ambulance and Verndale Police Department.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.