A traffic accident involving a truck hauling batteries has shut down a busy south side intersection in St Joseph.

The accident has closed the intersection of US-59 highway at Alabama at the rail crossing.

There were no injuries reported, but a cleanup team was dispatched. Officials expected the intersection to remain closed until late morning.

St Joseph police say the driver of a semi left Johnson Controls at about 2:17am with a full load of batteries, and was crossing the tracks when the trailer was hit by a train.

The driver, an Arlington, Texas man, was not injured. A special cleanup crew was dispatched from Olathe, but was not expected to arrive right away. Officials say it could be as late as 11am before the intersection reopens.