One person is dead after an oil truck hit a Canadian Pacific Railway train near Brooks and exploded.

The incident happened Thursday at 9:40 a.m. at a rural level crossing about 40 kilometres southeast of the city.

The truck exploded on contact, sending up huge plumes of smoke which were visible for kilometres.

One person was found dead at the scene, RCMP said later Thursday.

Crew members on the train were not hurt, but they were taken to hospital as a precaution.

"CP does not know why the tanker truck was in the crossing as the train approached. Crossings in that area are well marked and that will obviously be a key question for the investigation," said company spokesman Mike Lovecchio.

RCMP said they are still investigating but that alcohol did not appear to be a factor.

The name of the victim is not being released pending notification of family.

There are 37,000 level crossings in Canada. About half have flashing lights and crossing arms.

The train was not carrying any dangerous goods.