An evening near the Anoka County Fairgrounds turned deadly on July 24 when an adult man was struck and killed by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train near the 2700 block of Ferry Street in Anoka around 9:02 p.m. Responders from the Anoka Police Department, Ramsey Police, Anoka‑Champlin Fire and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office rushed to the scene, where the man was pronounced dead. The crash briefly backed up traffic as fairgoers tried to leave the area and crews worked to secure and clear the tracks.
Officials Say Investigation Underway
According to the Anoka County Sheriff's Office, the man was hit after attempting to cross in front of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe train and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The case is being investigated by the Anoka Police Department, the BNSF Railway Police Department, the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. Officials say the investigation is in its early stages and that no further information will be released at this time.
Fair Traffic and Local Disruption
The collision happened next to the Anoka County Fairgrounds, which lists its 2026 dates as July 21–26 and its address as 3200 St Francis Blvd NW, Anoka, according to the Anoka County Fair. The fair typically draws sizable evening crowds for rides and grandstand events, which may have contributed to delays as emergency crews and investigators worked the scene. Organizers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Why This Crossing Matters
The Highway 47 (Ferry Street) crossing with BNSF tracks has been flagged in planning documents as a safety priority, with MnDOT studying grade separation and other corridor improvements to reduce conflicts between trains, vehicles and pedestrians. Previous studies have examined the possibility of a bridge or tunnel to separate Ferry Street from the railroad to improve safety and emergency access, according to TH 47 corridor planning documents. Local officials have long said the crossing poses challenges for pedestrians and traffic near the fairgrounds.
Investigation Continues
Investigators from the agencies named in the sheriff’s post, including BNSF Railway Police and the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, remained at the scene working to determine the circumstances of the collision, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities asked the public to avoid the area while they processed evidence and indicated that no further details would be released at this time. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Anoka Police Department or the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.
