The Weyburn RCMP and Midale Fire Department and rescue personnel were called to the scene of a collision between a freight train and a semi truck near Halbrite on Friday evening.

Shortly after 6 p.m., a semi had apparently stalled while crossing a train track about eight kilometres east of Halbrite just off Highway 39, and the trailer was struck by an oncoming freight train.

The trailer was carrying a load of crude oil, and the force of the collision caused the tank to rupture and the load to partially spill and burn. It is not know how much oil spilled.

The semi driver, a man from the area, was slightly injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

The train did not derail any cars, many of which were carrying steel pipe. The Midale Fire Department helped extinguish the fire, and hazardous materials crews were also on hand to deal with the spilled oil.

Traffic on Highway 39 was slowed down but was able to pass through the area while emergency crews cleaned up the collision scene. The RCMP are continuing their investigation into the accident.

Meantime, the Weyburn city police charged a 46-year-old Weyburn man with impaired driving after an accident in the city early on Wednesday morning.

At about 3 a.m., a male driver struck a power pole on 16th Street near East Avenue. Damage was extensive and power crews had to be called as power lines were lying on the vehicle, and power was disrupted for a short time in the city.

Two people were treated at the scene, and the driver was charged with impaired driving and driving with a blood-alcohol level over .08. He is set to appear in provincial court on Dec. 5.

City police also report that some time between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Nov. 6, an unknown person stole approximately 300 litres of diesel fuel from a slip tank in the northwest section of the city.

On Nov. 7, police were called to an injury motor vehicle accident on the gravel road extending south from Confederation Drive. An 18-year-old Weyburn male was charged with driving too fast for road conditions.

Also that day, police received a complaint of a vehicle in the ditch on Highway 35 south. A 44-year-old Lake Alma man was charged with care and control of a vehicle while over .08, and impaired driving.

City police charged an 18-year-old male with shoplifting at the Wal-Mart store on Nov. 7.

On Sunday, police received a call in regards to a domestic dispute, and a 50-year-old Indian Head man was charged with breaching an undertaking.