Highway 24 reopens after closure from truck crash with train

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A northeast Missouri highway that closed over the weekend has reopened.

The Missouri Department of Transportation said Wednesday morning that Highway 24 east of Madison in Monroe County had reopened after the crash. The highway was closed Sunday after a semi-truck drove into a train at the highway crossing, killing the truck driver and derailing train cars.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, 65-year-old Russell Minnis of Highbee, Missouri was traveling on Highway 24 on Sunday afternoon when he drove through the railroad crossing just outside of Madison. Minnis crashed his semi-truck into the side of the train, derailing at least two engines and more than a dozen train cars.

The train's operator was not injured in the crash, according to troopers. However, Minnis was pronounced dead at the scene around 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Troopers say the crossing had working flashing lights, bells, and arms when the crash took place.