Posted at: 11/12/2009 5:43 PM

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Investigation Faults Driver in Auto-Train Fatal

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) - A State Patrol investigation of a car-train collision that killed two Blue Earth County highway workers finds the truck driver was to blame.

Investigators found that on July 13 the truck driver didn't stop at a sign and didn't notice the train until it was too late.

The crash killed 42-year-old Jack M. Baker, of Le Center and 43-year-old Todd J. Ziegler of Mankato. Baker was driving.

The eyewitness accounts were unanimous. The county truck slowed, but did not stop, as it approached the tracks on County Road 112 near Lake Crystal.

Data from the train showed the whistles were blown for 12 seconds before the collision. The train was traveling 43 mph, an acceptable speed for the type of track.

County Attorney Ross Arneson said it's unlikely any charges will be filed.

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Information from: The Free Press, http://www.mankatofreepress.com

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)