BNSF worker killed on rail line identified

MINNEAPOLIS

Authorities have identified the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Corp. rail employee who was struck and killed by a train on the Northstar Commuter Rail Line.

He's 53-year-old Andrew K. Weaver of Fridley. The Anoka County sheriff's office said he was not married and is survived by his father and an adult sister.

A news release from BNSF said Weaver had 31 years of experience with the company.

The incident happened about 6:45 a.m. Wednesday in Coon Rapids when Weaver stepped out behind a small test train and into the path of a commuter train traveling about 80 mph.

Officials said that Weaver was talking on a cell phone and between that and the noise of the test train may not have heard the oncoming train.

The Northstar Commuter Rail Line was shut down after the accident, but resumed service Wednesday afternoon.

BNSF is a unit of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.