R. 1, Fairfax, Minnesota
George A. Findley, 69, near Granada, is in critical condition at
a Mankato hospital with injuries received when he became excited
and drove his tractor down the railroad tracks into an oncoming
freight train Monday afternoon.
He has right knee and ankle fractures, bruises and internal
injuries.
According to a fireman on the train, Findley drove the tractor
from the field, came to the crossing, saw the train, apparently
became excited and drove down the tracks for 51 feet before he was
hit. Authorities believed that the wheels of the tractor became
caught in the tracks, causing the farmer to become more
excited.
The train struck the tractor and smashed it as Findley was
tossed to the side of the track.
