A train hit the back of a payloader Saturday morning west of Dawson, resulting in serious injuries to the payloader driver, Arturo Garza, 40, of Tappen, who was taken to a Bismarck hospital, according to a North Dakota Highway patrol news release.

Garza, who was driving the excavating machine south at about 9:20 a.m. Saturday, reportedly didn't stop at the railroad crossing located at County Road 22, a half-mile west of Dawson - and the train struck the right rear of the payloader.

Garza, who wasn't wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the vehicle.

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe train's engineer and conductor weren't injured. There was $10,000 damage to the train engine, and Garza's vehicle was severely damaged, according to the news release.

Weather conditions were sunny and not a factor. The crash in under investigation.

- Virginia Grantier