A car-train collision near Perham killed a 67-year-old man at about 6 a.m. today, Friday, May 29.
Larry J. Brewer, of Perham, was identified later on Friday as the victim.
Wreckage from the pick-up truck box was scattered at the point of collision about two miles east of downtown Perham. The front-end and cab of the truck was pushed nearly three-quarters of a mile, before the westbound Burlington Northern-Santa Fe locomotive came to a stop.
Extraction tools were brought to the scene to cut the truck apart, as the impact of the collision had wedged the truck frame around the train engine.
Perham police officers, volunteer firefighters, Otter Tail County deputies and East Otter Tail EMT staff were at the scene.
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A call was immediately made to halt east and west train traffic, said Jim Rieber, Perham emergency medical services director.
The accident occurred at an un-signaled crossing, which leads to one residence on the north side of the tracks. According to an officer at the scene, the victim was crossing the tracks to pick up a fellow employee to go to work. The Chevy pick-up Brewer was driving belonged to Freshcoat Painting and Finishing, a Richville-based firm, where he was employed.
A memorial service for Brewer will be held Monday, June 1, beginning at 2 p.m. at the Perham Community Alliance Church, with the Rev. Gus Ziegler officiating.
Burial will be in the Memory Gardens of Fairhope Cemetery in Fair Hope, Alabama. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church.
Schoeneberger Funeral Home, Perham, is in charge of the arrangements, and can be reached at (218) 346-5175.
