A trucker trying to beat a Union Pacific train through a crossing south of Platteville could have caused the accident that hurled railroad cars onto Highway 85 and closed the road, Carl Dwyer, Platteville police chief said.

“Initial investigation concludes that the semi possibly attempted to beat the train,” Dwyer said in a statement.

Both north and southbound lanes of Highway 85 south of Platteville are blocked after rail cars landed on both sides of the highway at County Road 30.

Highway 85 is expected to remain closed for most of the day while crews clean up wreckage and investigations are completed.

“A 2014 Kenworth either hit or was hit by a train causing the train to derail,” said Trooper Josh Lewis, of the Colorado State Patrol.

The Union Pacific Railroad train hit the eastbound tractor trailer in the crossing at the intersection of County Road 30 and Highway 85 at 5:30 a.m., said Kristen South, a RR spokesperson.

As a result of the crossing collision, two Union Pacific locomotives and 17 rail cars derailed.

The Railroad and Weld County Sheriff’s Office are investigating to determine what caused the accident.

No one on the train was injured, South said.

The truck driver suffered minor injuries, according to the CSP.

Hwy 85/Weld CR 30 semi (2012 Kenworth) vs train crash. Extended closure of all H85; avoid the area. Minor injuries to semi driver. Multiple train cars derailed. pic.twitter.com/GaS6xFyyC1 — CSP Public Affairs (@CSP_News) December 4, 2019

Traffic is being diverted from Highway 66 and Weld County Road 28 onto Weld County Road 22.

There were some hazardous materials aboard the train and a CSP Hazmat team is involved in the clean up.

It is unknown how long the road closures will be in effect.

Update: both north and southbound lanes of Hwy 85 are blocked around or near CR 30/ Hwy 66. This is the Platteville-Gilcrest Fire District. Unknown time frame on closures. — Fort Lupton Fire (@FLFPD) December 4, 2019

From Weld OEM: Train vs Semi accident at Hwy 85 and CR 30. Northbound lanes of Hwy 85 are blocked due to the accident. several rail cars are derailed from the tracks. no report of injuries. — Fort Lupton Fire (@FLFPD) December 4, 2019

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.