Witnesses and a Metro Transit spokesman said the driver of the van belonging to NAC Mechanical and Electrical Services was making a prohibited turn when the collision happened at 11:27 a.m.

By Tim Harlow tim.harlow@startribune.com

Light-rail service in downtown Minneapolis has resumed after being halted for about 40 minutes Monday when a train collided with a commercial van at 5th Street and 5th Avenue S.

Witnesses and a Metro Transit spokesman said the driver of the van belonging to NAC Mechanical and Electrical Services was making a prohibited turn when the collision happened at 11:27 a.m. There were no injuries, officials said.

The van's driver was cited by Metro Transit Police for failure to follow a traffic control device, said Metro Transit spokesman John Siqveland.

Tom Freeman, a custodian at a parking garage at the intersection, said the van heading north on 5th Avenue was slowly crossing the tracks when the train heading into downtown sounded the warning horn and attempted to slow down, but was unable to avoid hitting the van.

Dml - Star Tribune, Star Tribune
Light-rail service heading into downtown Minneapolis was briefly halted late Monday morning when a train collided with a commercial van at 5th Street and 5th Avenue.

"I see this all day long," said Freeman, who said he often sees vehicles driving over or illegally on the tracks on 5th Street. "People need to read the signs and pay attention."

The train struck the van on the rear right side, causing minor damage.

The train operator will be tested for drugs and alcohol, which is standard procedure.

Metro Transit police are investigating.

Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768